At least one person was killed and several others injured following violent clashes between two groups in Kisumu City on Sunday, according to the National Police Service (NPS).
The violence erupted during and after a church service at St. Joseph's Catholic Cathedral in Kisumu, where Siaya Governor James Orengo and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, both principals of the Linda Mwananchi movement, had attended.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the NPS condemned what it described as acts of "political intolerance, violence and goonism."
"Such incidents undermine public order, threaten national cohesion and violate citizens' constitutional rights to peacefully associate, assemble and participate in political activities," the statement said.
According to police, the Kisumu violence resulted in the torching of nine motorcycles, damage to a police vehicle, several injuries, and the death of one person.
Eight suspects were arrested and are being held pending arraignment in court, while efforts to identify and apprehend other individuals involved are ongoing.
Police also provided an update on violence that broke out during a Linda Mwananchi rally in Nyahururu Town.
According to the NPS, a group of individuals attempted to disrupt the rally by throwing stones, causing minor injuries to several members of the public, including Joseph Gitau, who sustained a chest injury and was treated and discharged.
The service dismissed claims that Gitau had been injured in a shooting incident.
"Contrary to some allegations, there was no shooting incident. Police responded promptly and arrested six suspects, who have been placed in custody pending arraignment," the statement said.
The NPS reiterated that no person, regardless of social status, political affiliation, or public office, is above the law.
"Anyone found engaging in violence, sponsoring criminal gangs, inciting supporters, or disrupting lawful gatherings will be dealt with firmly and in accordance with the law," the service said.
Police urged members of the public with information that could assist investigations to report to the nearest police station or use the toll-free numbers 999 and 911, the #FichuaKwaDCI hotline on 0800 722 203, or WhatsApp 0709 570 000.
The incidents come as Linda Mwananchi principals condemned the attacks, insisting they would not be intimidated.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino alleged that those who attacked Orengo and Sifuna had faced the consequences of their actions.
"Goon-lets who were sent to attack Orengo and Sifuna have learnt their lessons the hard way. This is the consequence of their actions. Their motorbikes have been burnt to ashes," Owino posted on his social media page.
Speaking after the Kisumu incident, Governor Orengo thanked residents for ensuring the leaders' safety after they came under attack from what he described as hired goons.
"It is deeply shameful that goons were sent to attack us inside a house of God. But let it be known: we will not be intimidated," Orengo said.
"I thank the Almighty God for His divine protection, and I am profoundly grateful to the brave wananchi who stood firm, shielded us, and ensured we left safely and in one piece."