The National Police Service (NPS) has condemned politicians it accuses of contravening the Public Order Act, Cap 56, during an incident in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County, that left two police officers injured and two government vehicles damaged.
In a press statement on October 16, the police explained that preliminary reports indicated that the individuals involved had undermined public order and the rule of law.
“The National Police Service (NPS) strongly condemns the conduct of certain politicians who contravened the Public Order Act, Cap 56, in an incident that occurred today, 16th October 2026, in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County,” the statement read.
The service confirmed it had begun investigating the full circumstances surrounding the incident and warned that anyone found culpable would face appropriate legal action under the law.
Additionally, the police called on political leaders, their supporters, and other stakeholders to maintain peace, exercise restraint, and respect the rule of law.
Further, the NPS warned that it would deal firmly with individuals found engaging in violence, incitement, sponsoring criminal gangs, or disrupting lawful gatherings, regardless of their political affiliation or public office.
“The NPS reaffirms that no person, regardless of social status, political affiliation or public office, is above the law. Individuals found contravening the Public Order Act, engaging in acts of violence, sponsoring criminal gangs, inciting supporters or disrupting lawful gatherings will be dealt with firmly and in accordance with the law,” part of the statement read.
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Linda Mwananchi Kitale Chaos Leading to NPS Intervention
On October 16, political tensions in Trans Nzoia County involved leaders affiliated with the Linda Mwananchi movement and supporters aligned with President William Ruto.
According to preliminary reports, the events began during the burial of former Senior Assistant Inspector General of Police Lazarus Simiyu Opicho in Sirende, Kiminini, where several political leaders and senior security officials had gathered.
Tensions escalated after some politicians used their speaking slots to make political remarks and criticized the President and security agencies, prompting security officials overseeing the funeral program to intervene.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and other Linda Mwananchi-affiliated leaders were reportedly denied opportunities to address mourners after the program was adjusted following the political exchanges.
Following the political tension, Deputy Inspector-General of the Administration Police Service (APS) Gilbert Masengeli emphasized that all citizens had a right to express themselves.
However, he stressed that the burial of the late Lazarus Opicho was not the place, advising politicians to refrain from turning the event into a rally.
Despite the disruption at the funeral, Sifuna and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya later addressed residents before proceeding to a rally in Kitale town.
Linda Mwananchi leaders were tear-gassed shortly after addressing a rally in Kitale, following a separate rally attended by President Ruto at the same location.
Sifuna and Supporters Address Ruto
During the rally, Sifuna called out President Ruto, alleging that he was unconstitutional and disregarded the laws of the country.
Additionally, Sifuna also noted that Ruto’s administration withdrew Governor Natembeya’s security.
“The problem we have in Kenya is that the current president does not respect the constitution and the police. That is why he wakes up and withdraws Governor Natembeya’s security. Where does he get such powers?” Edwin Sifuna questioned.
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya also advised the government to allow the opposition leaders to carry out their campaign freely and fairly.
Citing unemployment, the governor further alleged that the government is criminalizing poverty and turning against the youths and labeling them as goons.
Opposition leaders reaffirmed their stand on fighting against injustices and confirmed that despite the challenges, they would keep questioning the government for the benefit of the public.
Also Read: Sifuna Picks Star-Studded All-Women Team to Head Linda Mwananchi Communications
Ruto, Natembeya Clash over Development Projects During Kitale Visit
President William Ruto and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya traded sharp criticism over development projects, healthcare services and political leadership in the county, exposing deepening differences between the two leaders during the President’s visit to Kitale.
During his visit, the President raised concerns about the state of healthcare services in Trans Nzoia.
Additionally, he questioned Natembeya’s progress on Kenyatta Stadium, arguing that the governor had made promises he had not fulfilled.
Ruto also called out opposition leaders, accusing them of relying on hostility rather than presenting alternative policies to address the country’s challenges.
The clash between the president and the governor follows a dispute over ownership and financing of Masinde Muliro Market in Kitale, which Ruto officially launched during his visit.
Before the launch, Natembeya had threatened to seek court intervention to stop the President from opening the market, arguing that the county government had spent nearly Sh500 million on its construction.
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