THREE SHOT, VEHICLES TORCHED AS RIVAL POLITICAL CAMPS CLASH AT NAKURU EMPOWERMENT EVENT

 A youth and women empowerment forum in Kuresoi North, Nakuru County, descended into violence on Friday, leaving three people nursing gunshot wounds and several vehicles destroyed after supporters of rival political factions engaged in fierce clashes.

The confrontation involved supporters allied to Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika and those backing Kuresoi North Member of Parliament Alfred Mutai during an empowerment event held at Umoja Secondary School.

Witnesses said the gathering had proceeded peacefully until MP Mutai arrived at the venue, triggering tensions between the two camps. What began as verbal exchanges quickly escalated into running battles as rival groups armed with sticks and stones confronted each other.

As the situation deteriorated, gunshots rang out, sending hundreds of attendees fleeing for safety. The violence subsequently spread to nearby areas, where enraged youths targeted vehicles associated with the legislator's entourage.

Three individuals sustained gunshot injuries during the chaos and were rushed to Molo Level 4 Hospital for treatment. The injured were identified as Job Kiprono, who suffered a gunshot wound to his right hand, Mohamed Ali, and Isaac Cheruiyot. Medical officials reported that all three victims were in stable condition.

The clashes also resulted in extensive property damage. At least three vehicles, including a luxury sport utility vehicle belonging to MP Mutai, were vandalized after being pelted with stones. A community welfare transport bus was also set ablaze and completely destroyed during the unrest.

Speaking after visiting the injured at Molo Level 4 Hospital, local leaders condemned the violence and called for swift action against those responsible.

Community leaders Kipkorir Dude and Kibet Langat described the incident as a worrying sign of increasing political intolerance in the county. They urged security agencies to investigate the source of the gunfire and ensure those involved face justice.

"We are appealing to the Inspector General to order the immediate disarmament of Kuresoi North MP Alfred Mutai's security personnel, as there are heavy allegations that they were involved in the shooting of these innocent youths," Langat said during a press briefing.

Despite the disruption, the empowerment event later resumed under heavy police protection. Authorities towed the damaged vehicles to a local police station as investigations got underway.

Police commanders confirmed that investigations have been launched to establish who fired the live ammunition and who orchestrated the destruction of property. No arrests had been announced by the time of publication.

Neither Governor Susan Kihika nor MP Alfred Mutai had issued an official statement regarding the incident.

Political observers say the clash underscores growing political tensions in parts of the Rift Valley region, where local rivalries and shifting alliances are increasingly shaping the political landscape ahead of future electoral contests.

The incident has renewed concerns over political violence and the need for restraint among leaders and their supporters as competition for influence intensifies across the country.

Note: Because allegations regarding who fired the shots have not been officially confirmed, the story attributes those claims to local leaders and notes that investigations are ongoing.