DCI Arrests Three Suspects After Violent Attack on Linda Mwananchi Convoy That Left David Maraga’s Vehicle Damaged
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has confirmed the arrest of three suspects following a violent attack on the Linda Mwananchi convoy in Kisii County, as detectives intensify investigations into an incident that has renewed concerns over rising political violence ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The arrests were made after chaos erupted along the Kisii–Keroka Road on Friday, July 3, when a convoy carrying opposition leaders was ambushed by a group of individuals who allegedly hurled stones at several vehicles, causing extensive damage.
Among those affected was former Chief Justice and presidential hopeful David Maraga, whose vehicle was extensively damaged during the attack as the convoy travelled to Keroka for a political rally.
In a statement issued on Saturday, July 4, the DCI said detectives from Kisii Central, working jointly with officers from Keumbu Police Station, mounted a targeted intelligence-led operation that resulted in the arrest of three suspects believed to have participated in the violence.
“Detectives from DCI Kisii Central, working jointly with officers from Keumbu Police Station, have arrested three suspects linked to the violent disruption along the Kisii–Keroka Road, during which several motor vehicles in a convoy were allegedly stoned and damaged,” the DCI said.
The agency added that the incident occurred on July 3 and that officers acted swiftly after receiving credible intelligence.
“Acting on credible intelligence, the officers launched a targeted operation that culminated in the arrest of the three suspects,” the statement added.
The violence was captured in videos that have since circulated widely on social media, showing a group of youths pelting stones at the convoy while some appeared to be carrying crude weapons. The footage shows vehicles attempting to drive through the chaos as attackers targeted the convoy.
Authorities have not yet established the identities or motives of all those involved, but investigators say efforts are underway to track down additional suspects.
The National Police Service (NPS) separately confirmed the arrests, revealing that investigators are conducting a comprehensive forensic review of videos and other digital evidence to identify more individuals linked to the attack.
“A more detailed analysis of the video, alongside wider investigative efforts, is underway with a view to making further arrests,” the NPS said.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has also directed the Internal Affairs Unit (IAU) to fast-track investigations into every aspect of the incident, including examining whether there were operational failures by security officers that may have contributed to the violence.
The attack has reignited debate over political intolerance in Kenya, coming amid growing concerns over a series of violent confrontations at political gatherings across the country.
In recent months, rival political camps have repeatedly accused each other of hiring gangs to disrupt public meetings and intimidate opponents, raising fears that the country could witness heightened political tensions as campaigns for the 2027 General Election begin to gather momentum.
The Ministry of Interior has repeatedly warned politicians against sponsoring or inciting violence, insisting that those found culpable will face legal action regardless of their political status or affiliation.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has also maintained that candidates implicated in election-related violence risk sanctions, including possible disqualification from contesting elective positions, as part of efforts to safeguard peaceful political competition ahead of the next general election.
Investigations into the Kisii attack remain ongoing, with detectives indicating that more arrests are expected as they analyse additional evidence and pursue other individuals believed to have taken part in the assault.
Also Read: Registrar of Companies Announces Planned Dissolution of 94 Firms