The National Police Service (NPS) has arrested seven suspects in connection with the violent attack on a Linda Mwananchi convoy in Keumbu, Kisii County, and summoned Nyaribari Chache MP Zaheer Jhanda to assist detectives with ongoing investigations.
The latest developments come days after a convoy linked to the Linda Mwananchi movement was ambushed along the Kisii–Keroka Road, where a group of youths armed with stones and other crude weapons attacked supporters and damaged several vehicles. Videos of the incident, widely shared on social media, showed chaotic scenes as occupants fled the vehicles amid the assault.
In a statement, the National Police Service said four additional suspects had been arrested during a coordinated operation conducted by officers from Keumbu Police Station and detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Kisii Central, bringing the total number of people in custody to seven.
The police also confirmed that MP Zaheer Jhanda had been summoned to appear before the Kisii County DCI offices to record a statement as part of the investigations.
“The Member of Parliament for Nyaribari Chache Constituency, Hon. Zaheer Jhanda, has been summoned to appear before the DCI Kisii County offices in connection with the ongoing investigations,” the National Police Service said.
Authorities have not announced any criminal charges against the legislator, maintaining that the summons is intended to assist investigators in establishing the circumstances surrounding the attack.
The NPS said investigations remain active as detectives work to determine whether additional individuals were involved in planning, financing or carrying out the violence.
“Investigations remain ongoing as the Service continues to pursue further leads in order to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and to identify any other individuals who may have been involved,” the police said.
The Service reiterated that those found responsible would be held accountable regardless of their status.
“The National Police Service remains resolute in its commitment to protecting lives and property and will continue to take decisive action against anyone who threatens public safety or disrupts public order,” the statement added.
The attack occurred on July 3 in Keumbu, where members of the Linda Mwananchi movement were travelling through the area before they were confronted by a group of assailants. Several vehicles were vandalised during the incident, while a number of people sustained injuries.
The case took a more serious turn after one of the injured supporters, Vincent Osiemo, later died while receiving treatment. His death has intensified calls from political leaders and human rights advocates for a thorough investigation and swift prosecution of those responsible.
The incident has also renewed concerns over politically linked violence and the safety of public gatherings, particularly as political activity intensifies in different parts of the country.
Police have not disclosed the identities of the seven suspects or the offences they are likely to face, saying investigations are still underway. Detectives are expected to continue recording statements, reviewing video evidence and pursuing additional leads before making further decisions on possible charges.
The National Police Service has appealed to members of the public with information that could assist the investigation to cooperate with detectives, stressing that accountability remains central to restoring public confidence and ensuring those responsible are brought before the courts.