One arrested over alleged incitement after Tseikuru attack

One individual was on Sunday arrested in connection with alleged incitement following recent violence linked to incidents in Tseikuru, Kitui County.

The arrest follows the circulation of a video clip in which the suspect is allegedly heard making remarks interpreted by investigators as inciting violence and calling for retaliation over the killing of a taxi driver in Garissa earlier last week.

Authorities say the approximately five-minute clip also references religious tensions and urges action if justice is not served in the killing of the driver.

Police have cautioned that the remarks could have contributed to heightened tensions, although investigations are ongoing to establish any direct link between the statements and the violence reported in Kitui and Garissa.

Director of Criminal Investigations Mohamed Amin confirmed the arrest, stating that the suspect is being held for questioning and is expected to be arraigned in court.

“The suspect has been arrested and will be arraigned tomorrow for alleged incitement to violence,” he said.

The suspect's remarks are said to have been made in response to the fatal shooting of a taxi driver at a roadblock in Garissa, in an incident authorities linked to suspected smuggling of uncustomed goods.

Investigators are also examining whether there is any connection between the remarks and the attack in Tseikuru that left seven people dead.

Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat has since visited the area as part of ongoing investigations.

The National Police Service condemned a series of retaliatory attacks in Tseikuru Sub-county that have left multiple people dead and displaced residents.

According to police, attackers set fire to several properties, including shops, a petrol station and a motorcycle, forcing residents of Kwa Kamari and surrounding areas to flee over fears of further violence.

Police spokesperson Michael Muchiri said the incidents appear to be part of an escalating cycle of retaliatory attacks between neighbouring communities.

Authorities say the violence dates back to March 29, when a herdsman was killed near Mwingi Game Reserve, followed by further attacks the next day that left four people dead.

The latest incident on April 25 in Kwa Kamari saw seven people killed. Police have described the killings as “senseless and needless” and urged an immediate end to retaliatory violence.

Inspector General Douglas Kanja has deployed additional security personnel to the region, with officers already on the ground to restore calm.

Police say investigations are ongoing and those found responsible will be brought to justice.

Leaders have called for restraint, urging residents and community leaders to promote peace amid rising tensions.

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka condemned the attack, terming it a serious security lapse and calling for swift action by authorities.

He said heavily armed assailants stormed Kwa Kamari Trading Centre and opened fire on civilians, leaving several dead and others injured.

Musyoka questioned how the attackers obtained weapons and moved across regions undetected, and called for a thorough investigation into possible security lapses.

He also urged the government to increase security deployment and address underlying tensions to prevent further violence.