KURESOI NORTH, Nakuru County—Several people were injured on Friday following clashes between rival political groups during a Youth and Women Empowerment Programme in Nyota Ward, Kuresoi North Constituency, Nakuru County.
The incident occurred at Tulwet Primary School, where the event had been organised and was expected to bring together local leaders and residents for an empowerment initiative.
Tensions reportedly flared shortly after Kuresoi North Member of Parliament Alfred Mutai arrived at the venue accompanied by a group of supporters, leading to confrontations with other attendees.
Witnesses said the situation quickly escalated into running battles between rival groups of youths, forcing the event to be disrupted and eventually called off.
Videos and photographs seen from the scene showed chaotic moments as groups engaged in physical confrontations, with the event descending into disorder.
At least three people were reportedly injured during the clashes. However, the exact circumstances of their injuries could not be independently verified by the time of publication.
Residents also claimed that gunshots were heard during the incident, although this could not be independently confirmed.
The unrest further escalated when a welfare bus belonging to residents from Ngata was set ablaze. Rival groups traded blame over the incident, with supporters of Governor Susan Kihika accusing allies of the MP of disrupting the empowerment programme.
Some residents maintained that they had attempted to protect the event from political interference and called for calm and respect for community development initiatives.
The violence later spilled beyond the venue, with reports indicating that a vehicle allegedly linked to the MP was vandalised as tensions spread. Other videos circulating online showed sections of the crowd pelting stones at a motorcade associated with the legislator.
Security agencies are yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
