A large-scale police operation in Trans Nzoia County has resulted in the arrest of 170 people following violent scenes in Kitale that disrupted a youth voter registration exercise, with authorities linking the incident to organised groups accused of being mobilised to cause disorder.
The chaos broke out last Saturday during the Niko Kadi initiative, where groups of suspected hired youths allegedly stormed the registration point, forcing the exercise to stop and leaving parts of Kitale town in disruption as normal business was brought to a standstill.
Security officers say the arrests are part of an ongoing sweep targeting those involved in the incident, with 170 suspects already in custody. Police also recovered more than 200 mobile phones and several weapons believed to have been used during the disturbances, with investigators now working to establish the wider network behind the operation.
Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Riko Ngare said the operation is still active and more arrests are expected as investigations widen.
“We have launched an operation to track down those disrupting security in Kitale. We have arrested 170 suspects, some already in court,” said Ngare.
He noted that some of those arrested are believed to have been involved in serious crimes, including individuals who are said to have previously escaped from lawful custody.
Authorities maintain that no suspect will be spared as the crackdown continues.
“We have a list and we are making arrests. None will be left out,” said the police commander.
Police further indicated that the recovered items will help trace those who coordinated and supported the disruption, as detectives piece together how the incident was planned and executed.
At the same time, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has raised concern over what he described as a growing trend of political actors allegedly using young people to create chaos during public events.
Speaking during a visit to police recruits in Embakasi, Murkomen said the pattern has become a serious security concern, prompting changes in how officers are trained.
“Politicians are now the biggest security threat. They use young people as goons and gangs, and this is increasing every year,” said Murkomen.
He added that the National Police Service has revised its training programmes to better prepare officers for crowd control and emerging security threats linked to organised groups.
“The National Police Service is retooling and reskilling officers to improve crowd control and security management,” Murkomen noted.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja urged officers to remain professional while enforcing the law, stressing that respect for human rights must guide all operations.
“Officers must respect the law and the rights of citizens,” said Kanja.
Security agencies say operations in Kitale will continue until all those involved are accounted for, as pressure mounts to restore order and prevent similar disruptions.
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