3 people shot, vehicles damaged as Kihika, Mutai supporters clash in Kuresoi North
From left: Kuresoi North MP Alfred Mutai and Nakuru governor Susan Kihika
Three people were shot and injured during a confrontation at the governor's empowerment event in Kuresoi North Constituency on June 19 morning, police have confirmed.
The shooting occurred at around 9.30am to 10am as Kuresoi North MP Alfred Mutai arrived at the venue accompanied by a group of supporters.
According to Kuresoi North Sub-County Police Commander John Kimutai, a confrontation broke out after the MP's entourage encountered another group of youths at the entrance to the event, leading to gunfire.
"When the MP arrived at the gate with his supporters, they met another group of youths and in the process, shots were fired," said Kimutai.
The police commander said three people sustained gunshot wounds during the incident, with one injured in the upper arm, another in the shoulder and a third shot in the leg.
"Three people were shot. One was injured in the upper arm, the other in the shoulder and the third in the leg. They were taken to hospital and were in stable condition when they left here," he said.
The injured were initially rushed to a nearby health facility before being referred for further treatment.
Kimutai said investigations have been launched to establish the circumstances that led to the shooting and determine who fired the shots.
"The matter is being handled by DCI officers and investigations are ongoing," he said.
In a separate incident linked to the chaos, a minibus that had ferried some supplies to the empowerment event was set ablaze about three to four kilometres from the venue.
"There was another incident after the shooting. A minibus that had brought stuff to the venue was set on fire about three to four kilometres from here," said Kimutai.
Police said officers first focused on dispersing crowds and restoring calm before commencing investigations into both incidents.
"At that point we were dispersing people to avoid further escalation of the situation. Investigations are continuing and officers are following up on the matter," he added.