Politics
DEFIANT MP ZAHEER JHANDA DISTANCES HIMSELF FROM KEUMBU ATTACK, BLAMES LINDA MWANANCHI FOR BRINGING "GOONS"
MP Zaheer Jhanda has denied any involvement in the deadly Keumbu violence, instead accusing the Linda Mwananchi team of bringing armed "goons" and provoking the chaos that left one person dead and several others injured.
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Nyaribari Chache Member of Parliament Zaheer Jhanda has dismissed claims linking him to the violence that disrupted the Linda Mwananchi meeting at Keumbu in Kisii County, where one person was killed and several others injured.
Jhanda made the remarks on Saturday during a meet-and-greet with residents at Amasago Grounds near Keumbu Market, the same area where the violence occurred during the Linda Mwananchi gathering.
Addressing residents, the MP expressed sorrow over the death and injuries sustained during the incident, describing it as unfortunate.
"I am deeply saddened by the death of one person and the injuries sustained by others. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and wish those who were injured a quick recovery. But they should not blame us by saying it was the MP who caused the incident. The deceased was hanging on a high-speed moving vehicle," Jhanda said.
The legislator rejected allegations linking him to the violence, insisting that he neither organized nor sponsored the attack. He claimed those seen throwing stones were acting in self-defense after the situation turned chaotic.
"Those Linda Mwananchi people came with arrows, rungus and stones, and our people stood up to defend themselves from the intruders. We did not provoke them; they provoked us, and we were only defending ourselves," Jhanda said.
He further urged residents not to allow political differences to divide the constituency, saying his focus remains on development and improving the welfare of the people of Nyaribari Chache.
"My mission is to bring development to the people of Nyaribari Chache. I do not support violence—you have never seen me throwing stones—and I remain committed to serving the people through peace and development," he said, while also claiming that those involved in the violence were not residents of Nyaribari Chache.
The Keumbu incident attracted national attention after the attack on the Linda Mwananchi convoy left one person dead, several others injured and a number of vehicles damaged.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) summoned MP Zaheer Jhanda to record a statement as part of ongoing investigations into the violence. However, he did not appear before investigators as requested.
Police arrested several suspects in connection with the incident, but a court later released them after concerns were raised over the prosecution's case, including the absence of the investigating officer and incomplete case files. The court also heard arguments that videos circulating online appeared to show more individuals allegedly involved in the violence than those who had been charged.
Investigations remain open, but no additional arrests have been announced. As victims, injured residents and business owners continue to await progress in the case, questions persist over whether everyone responsible for the violence will be held accountable and whether those affected will ultimately receive justice.
If this is intended for broadcast or publication, it is better to end with the neutral line above rather than suggesting that anyone is "immune to justice," unless that is clearly presented as a quote or attributed opinion.
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