Former Public Service Cabinet Secretary and Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi has condemned the attack on opposition leaders in Garissa, describing the incident as an attempted assassination and demanding an immediate police investigation.
Muturi said the confrontation was a grave development that should not be treated lightly, warning that political violence could deepen divisions in the country and create fear among citizens.
The former CS called on Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to move swiftly and establish what happened during the attack, identify those responsible and ensure they face the law.
“THIS IS AN ATTEMPTED ASSASSINATION!!!” Muturi declared, as he condemned the violence targeting opposition leaders during their political activities in Garissa.
He argued that incidents of political violence risk undermining Kenya’s democratic space, particularly at a time when political parties and leaders are preparing for the 2027 General Election.
Muturi urged the police leadership to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident rather than allowing those responsible to go unpunished.
“We call upon the Inspector General of Police to immediately and thoroughly investigate this particular incident, identify all those involved, and ensure that every person found culpable is arrested and brought to justice,” he said.
The remarks followed clashes that disrupted the opposition leaders’ activities in Garissa, with reports of stones being thrown during the confrontation. Muturi also said his vehicle was damaged during the incident.
The Democratic Party leader warned that such incidents could contribute to the “balkanisation” of Kenya by creating political and ethnic divisions while discouraging citizens from freely participating in political activities.
Despite the confrontation, Muturi said the opposition would not abandon its political mobilisation efforts.
Speaking on behalf of the Wantam Movement, he insisted that the group would remain committed to democracy, justice, peace and the constitutional right of Kenyans to participate in public affairs.
“We in the Wantam Movement will not be cowed, intimidated, or silenced,” Muturi said.
He maintained that the opposition would continue with its activities despite what he described as attempts to intimidate its leaders and supporters.
Muturi concluded by calling for unity, saying Kenya belonged to all citizens regardless of their political affiliations.
His characterisation of the Garissa incident as an attempted assassination remains an allegation by the former CS pending the outcome of any police investigation.