Two members of the Makueni County Assembly have been summoned by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) over their alleged role in sponsoring violent protests that rocked the region last week.
Nzaui/Kilili/Kalamba Ward MCA Francis Mutuku, commonly known as Musso, and nominated MCA Urbanus Wambua, alias Kana, are expected to appear before investigators in Wote today, 2 July, by 10 a.m. Failure to do so, a DCI letter warns, could lead to prosecution.
According to police, the two leaders are suspected of organising groups of young people who went on a looting spree during anti-government demonstrations on 25 June in Emali and Makindu. The protests mostly driven by Kenya’s youth under the “Gen Z” banner initially started peacefully but quickly descended into chaos.
“The youths were not just protesting. They stormed shops and vandalised property,” said a senior police officer in Makueni, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.
Both Mutuku and Wambua have denied any wrongdoing, insisting that the accusations are politically motivated.
“I did not fund or instruct anyone to break the law,” Mutuku said in a statement to local reporters. “The youth have a right to protest. But violence is not part of our agenda.”
The Wiper Party, to which both MCAs belong, has not officially commented on the summons.
Politics, Protest, and Police Response
Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse, who is aligned with the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition, was vocal in condemning the protests, especially after part of his business property was damaged.
“We will not allow leaders to hide behind the youth to cause destruction,” Mutuse said the day after the demonstrations. “Those funding this chaos must face the law.”
This is not the first time the named MCAs have clashed with authorities. Last year, during earlier Gen Z-led protests, both were arrested alongside Makueni County Assembly Speaker Douglas Mbilu. They were later charged in Makindu Law Courts but released on bond.
This year’s protests marked the anniversary of the Gen Z movement and were meant to be a show of unity. But things took a deadly turn when two young men were reportedly shot dead by police in Emali. Several others were hospitalised with gunshot wounds.
Human rights groups have condemned the police response, calling for a full investigation into the shootings.
Rising Tensions Ahead
The DCI’s move has added to growing political tension in the region, with many youth accusing the government of cracking down on dissent rather than addressing the root causes of the protests unemployment, high cost of living, and perceived corruption.
“The youth want dialogue, not bullets,” Charlene Ruto, daughter of the President, said during a recent youth forum, echoing calls for calm.
