Gachagua: Mathira MP is mobilising goons to storm polling stations in Ol Kalou
By David Nthua, July 16, 2026Democracy for the Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua has accused Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi of mobilising groups of young people to disrupt voting in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election.
Speaking during a telephone interview with Kameme FM presenter Muthoni wa Kirumba on Thursday, July 16, 2026, Gachagua said he had received information that a group was travelling to Ol Kalou in a matatu escorted by a private Subaru.
Rigathi Gachagua phone calls Kameme FM
“I have just received reports that there are youths who have been mobilised by Eric Wamumbi, the MP for Mathira.
“They are en route to Ol Kalou in a matatu belonging to one of the companies from Mt Kenya. The convoy is being led by a private Subaru,” Gachagua said.
The DCP leader did not disclose the registration numbers of the vehicles or provide evidence linking the occupants to Wamumbi.
He appealed to the management of the matatu Sacco to contact the driver and direct the vehicle to turn back, warning that residents were waiting for it.
“I want to urge the Sacco to call the matatu and ask it to go back because youths are waiting for the vehicle to enter Ol Kalou. It can go there and fail to come back,” he said.
“I had told the Sacco not to rent its vehicles to goons. I also want to shame Eric Wamumbi because he is the one mobilising goons to beat people in Ol Kalou.”
The reported movement of the vehicle and the identity and purpose of its occupants could not be independently verified.
Gachagua also challenged Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to address the presence of people he associated with Wamumbi.
“We are asking IG Kanja, wherever he is, these uniformed police officers are doing a good job, but what about this squad of Eric Wamumbi? What is happening?” Gachagua asked.
His remarks came as voting continued across Ol Kalou Constituency, where the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission established 144 polling stations for 73,480 registered voters.
Wamumbi was earlier denied entry to Huruma Polling Station during the voting exercise.
Gachagua warns of polling station disruptions
Shortly after the Kameme FM interview, Gachagua issued another statement on Facebook, accusing plain-clothes police officers of creating insecurity during the by-election.
“Bwana IG, I told you that rogue police officers in plain clothes are your weakest link. They are the source of insecurity in the country. I urged you to have them withdrawn from Ol Kalou, but you seem impotent,” Gachagua wrote.
He said UDA-allied MPs and police officers in plain clothes were planning to move into major polling stations, interrupt voting and interfere with ballot boxes after sensing defeat.
Gachagua called on Kanja to direct uniformed police officers to prevent any group from disrupting the election.
“If you are not part of this scheme, you have a duty to order the uniformed police officers, who are armed, to stop them and prevent any disruption,” he said.
“If you do not, then you are part of the scheme and must take responsibility for any violence that may occur.”
The former deputy president urged election observers, journalists, social media users and residents with cameras to proceed to Huruma, St Joseph and AC Primary School polling stations to document any disturbance.
“Members of the public must protect these polling stations and remain vigilant at others that may be targeted,” he said.
Gachagua further said the Nyandarua County Security and Intelligence Committee should take responsibility should violence or disruption occur at the polling stations.
No evidence had been presented publicly to demonstrate that officers or politicians were preparing to interfere with voting at the named centres.
Wamumbi yet to respond
People Daily Digital contacted Wamumbi through Facebook and offered him an opportunity to respond to Gachagua’s accusations.
“Good afternoon, Mheshimiwa. My name is David Nthua from People Daily Digital.
“During a phone interview with Kameme FM, DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua accused you of mobilising goons to storm polling stations in Ol Kalou.
“How do you respond to the accusation? Your response will be included in our story as part of your right of reply.”
Wamumbi had not responded to the message by the time of publication. His response will be included once received.