DCI summon MP Jhanda over Kisii convoy attack that left one person dead
Maraga called on the Interior Cabinet Secretary to resign, arguing that the government's failure to curb political goonism was undermining the rule of law and could push the country towards instability.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has summoned controversial Nyaribari Chache Member of Parliament (MP) Zaheer Jhanda best known for dishing handouts in political mobilisation as investigations intensify into last Friday’s violent attack on the Linda Mwananchi faction’s convoy in Keumbu, Kisii County, that left one person dead and several others injured and vehicles extensively damaged.
In a statement issued yesterday, the National Police Service (NPS) said the legislator had been directed to appear before DCI officers in Kisii to assist with ongoing investigations into the incident.
The police also announced the arrest of four additional suspects, bringing the total number of people in custody to seven.
“Meanwhile, 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 NPS said.
The service reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property and pledged to take firm action against anyone found responsible for acts that threaten public safety or disrupt public order.
The violence erupted on Friday when a convoy carrying leaders affiliated with the Linda Mwananchi movement came under attack at Keumbu Market along the Kisii-Keroka Road. A group of individuals reportedly pelted the vehicles with stones, leaving several occupants injured and causing extensive damage to the convoy.
Among the vehicles damaged was one belonging to former Chief Justice David Maraga, whose windscreen was shattered during the attack. Equipment belonging to a media house was also destroyed.
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from political leaders and civil society groups, who have demanded swift investigations and prosecution of those responsible.
Jubilee Party parliamentary aspirant for Nyaribari Chache, Dr. Joseph Birundu, accused police officers of failing to intervene despite witnessing the violence.
“The suspect who stoned us was clearly seen, and behind him were police officers who watched as the incident happened,” Birundu claimed.
He alleged that he was specifically targeted because he is a political rival of the area MP and further claimed that women at the market were also assaulted during the chaos.
Former civic leader Jackson Ontegi said several people sustained injuries during the violence and accused security officers of selectively protecting certain individuals.
“Everyone is equal before the law and deserves protection from the police,” Ontegi said.
He called on the Interior Ministry to transfer all police officers stationed at Keumbu, alleging they had failed in their duty to protect members of the public.
Another leader, Brian Nyamweya, urged supporters of different political camps to tolerate divergent political views instead of resorting to violence.
He also issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Interior Ministry to arrest all those behind the attacks, warning that residents would stage demonstrations if no action was taken.
Nixon Ombongi, one of the victims of the violence, appealed to politicians to stop using unemployed youth to foment chaos during political activities.
“Leaders should empower young people instead of using them to cause violence,” he said.
Keumbu Ward aspirant Joash Omambia alleged he was assaulted by individuals aligned to a local politician and claimed that political leaders were financing gangs to disrupt opponents’ meetings.
Former Chief Justice David Maraga also strongly condemned the attack, describing the growing trend of political violence as a serious threat to Kenya’s democracy.
Maraga called on the Interior Cabinet Secretary to resign, arguing that the government’s failure to curb political goonism was undermining the rule of law and could push the country towards instability.
He warned that unless decisive action is taken against those orchestrating political violence, Kenya risks sliding into a failed state where democratic freedoms and peaceful political participation can no longer be guaranteed.
The attack comes amid heightened political activity across the country as leaders position themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election, with increasing concerns over the resurgence of politically motivated violence.
