Tension gripped Nakuru Central Police Station on Tuesday after hundreds of Kuresoi North residents gathered outside the facility demanding the immediate release of their Member of Parliament, Alfred Mutai.
The residents, some chanting slogans, accused authorities of delaying court proceedings and keeping the legislator in custody longer than necessary after he surrendered to police on Monday.
The crowd camped outside the station for hours, insisting that Mutai be presented before a court without further delay.
Residents argued that their main concern was not whether investigations continue but whether the MP would be accorded his constitutional rights within the required timelines.
"We want him taken to court. Let the court decide. We do not want a situation where he remains in custody while the process is delayed," one resident said outside the station.
Police officers maintained a heavy presence around the station as the crowd swelled throughout the day.
Mutai was detained on Monday at Nakuru police station after he surrendered to authorities over chaos that were witnessed in the area last Friday.
Police said they intended to present Mutai to court as investigations into the incident continue.
At least five people were injured and vehicles damaged during the event attended by, among others, Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika.
Mutai had been a wanted man since Friday.
He later drove to Nakuru DCI offices with his lawyers, ready for the grilling session.
Reports indicate that he has denied any wrongdoing.
And after spending hours at the station, the detectives decided to detain him pending further possible arraignment.
This came as a Nakuru court released 12 suspects arrested in connection with an arson, assault and malicious damage to property incident in Kuresoi North subcounty, declining a police request to detain them for 21 days to allow investigations.
The suspects appeared before the Nakuru Criminal Court on Monday under Miscellaneous Criminal Application following their arrest over the alleged criminal acts that occurred in the Umoja area on June 19.
Investigators had sought custodial orders to continue holding the suspects as they completed investigations.
However, the court declined the request and instead granted them bond and bail terms.
Each accused person was released on a bond of Sh50,000 with one surety or, alternatively, a cash bail of Sh20,000 with one contact person.
The court also directed the suspects to report to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) offices in Kuresoi North every Monday, Wednesday and Friday until investigations are completed.
The matter will be mentioned in court on July 13.
The 12 suspects are accused of involvement in an incident involving arson, assault and malicious damage to property.
No formal charges have been reported at this stage, and investigations remain ongoing.
Police had arrested 56 people over the chaos but released 44 of them after Interrogation. The probe is ongoing.
Police also reported that a bus, which had transported tents and chairs to the venue, was set on fire by unknown individuals during the disturbance.
