Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki waded into the wrangles between Meru governor Kawira Mwangaza and her deputy Isaac Mutuma.
He said the violent chaos pitting criminals supporting Kawira and Mutuma must stop forthwith.
“Security agencies have commenced the hunt for the criminals and will round them up, arrest and prosecute every one of them," he said.
“Investigations will also ensue on the planners, abetters and financiers of the violence witnessed in the Igembe region of the County."
He said citizens, including political leaders of all ranks and all political parties/ formations, must carry out their activities lawfully and peacefully without exception.
“No violence whatsoever will be tolerated as it undermines national security, the rule of law and makes our Country look backward.”
Chaos rocked parts of Meru on Sunday during Governor Mwangaza's 'Okolea Program’ event at Makiri, Igembe South Constituency.
Angry residents protested by slaughtering one cow and setting mattresses on fire that Mwagaza had come to donate to the public.
Businesses were disrupted in the town as the supporters were engaged in stone-throwing contests.
Police said an unknown number of people were injured in the chaos.
The protests follow escalating war and division between the Governor and her Deputy Mutuma.
Makiri is the home village of Mutuma, which the community saw as a despise and arrogance against them.
Police had to use teargas canisters to disperse the protesters.
Mwangaza said they experienced violence where part of their donations were destroyed including a cow that was meant to benefit a needy family.
"We want to express our deep disappointment and condemnation of such retrogressive behavior. It is unacceptable to disrupt a charitable effort aimed at helping people in need."
"We strongly believe that the perpetrators of these heinous acts need to face the full force of the law. We call upon relevant agencies to investigate the matter thoroughly and take the necessary measures against those responsible. We must ensure this never happens again in our society," she said in a Facebook post.
However, she said she will not be deterred from her mission to help those in need.
