The National Police Service has begun searching for Kuresoi North MP Alfred Mutai after violent clashes during a Youth Empowerment Meeting in Nakuru County left three people with gunshot injuries.
In a statement released Friday evening, police identified Mutai as the main suspect in the disorder at Sirikwa Umoja Grounds in Kuresoi Sub-County, where an event drew several political figures.
NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said the force is pursuing Mutai, whom it described as the main suspect and said is on the run, adding that officers had begun a manhunt for him and others linked to the incident.
Authorities called on the MP to surrender at the nearest police station to help investigators determine the circumstances around the reported shooting.
Investigators asked Mutai to report to the nearest police station so they could establish what led to the shooting.
The move came just hours after President William Ruto, while speaking at a burial service in Nandi County on Friday, directed Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and security agencies to take firm action against the growing threat of goons and political violence.
NPS said preliminary investigations show that a confrontation erupted between suspected goons linked to the MP and supporters of Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika.
Authorities added that they were seeking the legislator and other people believed to have been involved in the incident.
Mutai, however, rejected the accusations, saying he had only heard of claims tying him to the disorder and denying any role in the violence.
“I was not present for what has been reported. As of now, I do not know what happened,” he said.
The incident followed disorder that disrupted a Youth and Women Empowerment Programme in Nyota Ward, where supporters of Governor Kihika and the MP allegedly clashed.
Running battles between rival groups forced the event to end prematurely amid confusion and destruction.
Police also confirmed that a bus with registration number KDQ 155G, which had transported tents and chairs to the venue, was set on fire by unknown people during the disturbance.
Earlier reports indicated that a vehicle linked to the MP was vandalised by angry residents, while rival camps exchanged accusations over who was responsible for the violence and property damage.