Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has revealed that he privately warned Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata against attending Sunday’s Ol Kalou by-election, saying he had prior knowledge of a plot targeting the event.
In a statement issued Sunday, Gachagua said he enlisted Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu to pass on the warning after he himself chose to stay away from the by-election.
“I told Joe Nyutu to find Irungu Kang’ata and tell him that I had stayed away from the Ol Kalou by-election because of what had been planned,” Gachagua said.
The former Deputy President said he specifically cautioned Kang’ata against making the trip, arguing that his political rivals were looking for an opportunity to exploit his presence at the event.
“I asked him to stop going to Ol Kalou because they would use that opportunity. Linda Mwananchi was in Kisii, and Kisumu was attacked. He did not listen, so I had to say it publicly,” he added.
Gachagua also moved to dispel claims of a rift between his camp and the Linda Mwananchi movement, insisting there was no hostility between the two groups. He cited a recent political gathering in Thika, where he said he had encouraged his own supporters to rally alongside leaders affiliated with the movement.
“We do not quarrel with Linda Mwananchi. In fact, when Sifuna and Babu came to Thika, I asked my supporters to join them,” he said.
One Dead, Several Injured in Kisumu and Nyahururu Clashes
Meanwhile, the National Police Service (NPS) has confirmed that one person died and multiple others were injured after violence broke out during Linda Mwananchi events held in Kisumu and Nyahururu on Sunday.
NPS Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga condemned the violence, warning that such incidents threaten national cohesion and undermine public order.
“The National Police Service wishes to apprise the public of incidents of violence that occurred today, 12th July 2026, in Kisumu City and Nyahururu Town. The Service strongly condemns these acts of political intolerance, violence and goonism. Such incidents undermine public order, threaten national cohesion and violate citizens’ constitutional rights to peacefully associate, assemble and participate in political activities,” Nyaga said in a statement.
According to Nyaga, the Kisumu violence stemmed from a confrontation between two rival groups, leaving one person dead, several others injured, nine motorcycles torched and a police vehicle damaged.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that, in Kisumu City, a violent confrontation between two opposing groups resulted in the death of one person, several injuries, the torching of nine motorcycles and damage to a police vehicle,” he said.
Police have since arrested eight suspects in connection with the Kisumu unrest and are pursuing additional individuals believed to have taken part in the violence.
In Nyahururu, Nyaga said a separate group attempted to disrupt a political rally by hurling stones at attendees, causing minor injuries to several members of the public. Among those affected was Joseph Gitau, who sustained a chest injury.
“In Nyahururu Town, a group of individuals attempted to disrupt a political rally by throwing stones, causing minor injuries to several members of the public, including one Joseph Gitau, who sustained a chest injury and was treated and discharged,” Nyaga said.
Investigations into both incidents are ongoing.
