Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has strongly condemned the violence that erupted in Ol Kalou on Sunday, July 12, 2026, declaring that there is no place for political violence as tensions continue to rise ahead of the July 16, 2026, parliamentary by-election.

In a brief statement posted on his official social media accounts, Kindiki said: “Hapana Jameni, violence is a NO.”

“The primitive culture of political violence poses grave danger to our country’s future. Reject and expose the sponsors and enablers of violence; whether hiding behind notam,tutam, fotam, longtam or whatever other political sloganeering.”

His remarks came after violent confrontations involving suspected goons left several people injured during political activities in the Nyandarua constituency, intensifying concerns over the security situation ahead of the mini-poll.

Earlier in the day, Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata claimed that his convoy came under attack after attending a church service at AIPCA Nyahururu Cathedral before proceeding to a Linda Mwananchi rally.

He claimed his vehicle was blocked and that his driver was injured during the confrontation.

“My driver was injured by police. There was a shooting incident where he was shot. He’s currently in hospital. He has a bullet lodged in his chest. We are yet to ascertain whether it’s a live bullet or a rubber bullet,” Kang’ata said.

The National Police Service (NPS) has denied claims that Gitau was shot during the political violence in Nyahururu, maintaining that no shooting occurred despite claims made by Linda Mwananchi leaders.

“Contrary to some allegations, there was no shooting incident. Police responded promptly and arrested six suspects, who have been placed in custody pending arraignment,” the statement read.

Police said Joseph Gitau sustained a chest injury during the incident but was treated and discharged from hospital.

“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,” the statement added.

The Ol Kalou by-election has increasingly become a high-stakes political contest between the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), with both camps trading accusations over violence and the alleged use of hired gangs.

The latest incident adds to a series of security concerns that have plagued the campaign period.

Last week, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) warned that the by-election could be postponed if escalating violence, voter intimidation and breaches of the Electoral Code of Conduct persist. The electoral agency said it had received reports of violent confrontations, destruction of campaign materials, voter bribery and the mobilisation of suspected goons, prompting investigations into the allegations.

Security agencies have also warned politicians and their supporters against engaging in violence during the campaigns.

The Nyandarua County Security Committee recently announced that a multi-agency security team had been deployed to safeguard the electoral process and deal swiftly with any threats to peace. County Commissioner Abdirisack Jaldesa urged voters to maintain peace and leave polling stations after casting their ballots, saying security agencies were fully prepared to secure the election.

The parliamentary by-election was triggered by the death of Ol Kalou MP David Kiaraho in March and has attracted national attention, with political analysts viewing it as an early test of political influence in the Mt Kenya region ahead of the 2027 General Election.

On the other hand, one person was killed, another seriously injured, and nine motorcycles torched after rival groups clashed outside St Stephen’s ACK Church in Milimani, Kisumu, on Sunday, July 12, 2026.

The violence erupted as Siaya Governor James Orengo, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and other leaders affiliated with the Linda Mwananchi movement attended a church service.