Kiambaa MP Kawanjiku explains why his vehicle was in Ol Kalou during by-election
By David Nthua, July 20, 2026Kiambaa Member of Parliament John Njuguna Wanjiku, alias Kawanjiku, has confirmed his vehicle was in Ol Kalou on voting day.
Speaking to the media on Monday, July 20, 2026, the United Democratic Alliance lawmaker said he used his car because his role in the July 16 by-election was genuine.
His response followed an investigative report that traced vehicles filmed during the chaos.
The broadcaster reported that records linked a Toyota Land Cruiser captured in Ol Kalou to Kawanjiku.
The footage establishes the vehicle’s presence. It does not prove that Kawanjiku planned or participated in violence.
Kawanjiku explains his presence
“Nataka kufikiria ya kwamba, niko na hekima kidogo. In such a scenario, you don’t even go with a phone or a personal car,” Kawanjiku told the media.
He argued that anyone intending to cause violence would avoid using an identifiable vehicle.
“In such a scenario, unatoa ata number plates za gari yako. Kama hao NTV wanasema ya kwamba gari zao hazijulikani ni gani,” he said.
“Ukifanya search kwa NTSA unapata hii ni Probox. Ukifanya search unapata ni ya kampuni fulani,” he added.
Kawanjiku maintained that he could have concealed his vehicle’s identity if he had travelled to Ol Kalou with unlawful intentions.
“Ningeweza kufanya hivyo, kama ningejua naenda kutoa vurugu. Lakini kwa sababu I was genuine na kile nilikua nimeenda kufanya, ndio maana nilienda na gari yangu, kama Kawanjiku,” he said.
Investigation raises questions
The investigation compared campaign-period footage with recordings captured on voting day.
A local TV station reported that some men who resembled individuals later captured during the chaos were filmed distributing money and household items during the campaigns.
That identification has not been confirmed through a public police investigation.
Kawanjiku said he was in Ol Kalou as an election agent. He rejected attempts to connect his presence or vehicle to the attacks.
The violence triggered demands for investigations into armed and hooded men filmed confronting residents and journalists.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen called on witnesses to record statements. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has also opened an inquiry.
No official finding has linked Kawanjiku to the violence.