By S, KNA
A 24-year-old man was stabbed to death on Wednesday evening following an altercation over a campaign cap during the ongoing Mumunji Ward by-election campaigns in Mbeere North Constituency, Embu County.
The incident occurred at around 8 p.m. at Ndutori Shopping Centre when the deceased, Bernard Kithaka, allegedly declined to wear a campaign cap belonging to a rival political camp. According to witnesses, Kithaka was reportedly being pressured by a fellow villager to put on the cap but resisted, leading to a confrontation.
A scuffle ensued, during which Kithaka was stabbed in the stomach. He was rushed to hospital but succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment.
The fatal incident comes barely three weeks after another young man was allegedly attacked at his home by supporters of an opposing camp for attempting to mount campaign posters of his preferred candidate in the same ward.
The victim, Hilary Njagi, said he was dragged out of his house by youths well known to him and assaulted, leaving him hospitalized for two days. He claimed that despite recording statements with the police, no action has been taken against those responsible.
The attack on Njagi and the killing of Kithaka signal an escalation of political tensions ahead of the by-election scheduled for Thursday, February 26.
Kithaka’s death has left his family devastated, particularly as he was the sole breadwinner supporting his ailing father. His uncle, Francis Ngari, described him as a hardworking young man with a promising future and called on authorities to ensure the perpetrator is brought to justice.
Leaders from the Devolution Empowerment Party (DEP), popularly known as the Bus Party, strongly condemned the killing. Kithaka served as a youth ambassador for the party in the area.
On Thursday evening, fellow youth ambassadors led by team leader Nicholas Kasanga visited Kithaka’s home to condole with the family and expressed outrage over what they termed a senseless act of violence.
DEP Party Leader Lenny Kivuti called for the swift arrest and prosecution of those involved. He also urged the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to ensure that the upcoming by-election is conducted peacefully.
“It is very difficult to comprehend such acts and I urge the Government to take stern action against anybody carrying weapons at campaign rallies with a view to harming others,” he said.
Police have launched investigations into the incident.