Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia writes to police IG after being trailed by armed men
By David Nthua, July 14, 2026Kipipiri Member of Parliament Wanjiku Muhia has cried out that suspected armed men trailed her as she travelled home in Nyandarua County.
Through a post on Facebook on Monday, July 13, 2026, Muhia shared a formal letter addressed to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, asking him to intervene over what she described as escalating threats to her security.
The MP said she had been followed that evening by people she suspected were armed and travelling in a vehicle whose registration details began with KDL. The remaining registration details have been withheld.
“I am writing to formally inform you that I was followed this evening by suspected armed goons,” Muhia wrote.
She further informed the police chief that the incident occurred a day after four unidentified men approached her home before leaving about five minutes later.
Muhia did not disclose whether the four men attempted to enter the compound or made any direct threats during the incident.
Muhia raises alarm over withdrawal of security
In the letter dated July 13, Muhia said her previous reports concerning similar incidents had not resulted in action from the relevant security agencies.
She reminded Kanja that the National Police Service was responsible for protecting every Kenyan regardless of political affiliation.
“Given that my security was withdrawn a month ago, I am concerned that these recent threats may be strategically linked to that decision, noting the withdrawal was not backed by any reason,” she stated.
Muhia had previously disclosed that her security detail was withdrawn shortly after she participated in campaigns for the Democracy for the Citizens Party candidate Sammy Kamau Ngotho in Ol Kalou.
She later reported that unknown vehicles had begun following her after the withdrawal.
The MP placed responsibility for her safety on President William Ruto and the Inspector General of Police.
“I am informing the public and my family that should any harm come to me, President Ruto, and you will be held solely responsible,” she wrote.
Muhia copied the letter to DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua and Nyandarua Senator John Methu, two leading figures in Ngotho’s Ol Kalou by-election campaign.
Her account could not be independently verified. Police had also not publicly confirmed that the occupants of the vehicle were armed or that they were following the MP.
Neither the National Police Service nor the State House had issued a public response to her letter by the time of publication.
UDA and DCP battle for Ol Kalou seat
Muhia’s security concerns come as political tension peaks ahead of the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election scheduled for Thursday, July 16, 2026.
Although the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission cleared nine candidates, the contest has largely become a political battle between President Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance and Gachagua’s DCP.
UDA has fielded Samuel Muchina Nyagah, while DCP is backing former Karau Ward MCA Sammy Kamau Ngotho.
Campaigns officially ended at 6 pm on Monday, paving the way for the mandatory 48-hour campaign-free period before voting begins.
The constituency has 73,480 registered voters spread across 144 polling stations in Karau, Kanjuiri Ridge, Mirangine, Kaimbaga and Rurii wards. The constituency tallying centre will be located at Ol Kalou Secondary School Hall.
Ngotho entered the race after securing 12,957 votes in the DCP nominations, defeating Paul Waiganjo, who received 4,978 votes.
Muchina won the UDA ticket with 3,221 votes, narrowly beating George Wambugu Kanuri, who obtained 3,077 votes.
The nomination figures represent separate party exercises and should not be interpreted as a direct measure of support in Thursday’s by-election.
Ol Kalou numbers and political stakes
Ngotho also contested the Ol Kalou parliamentary seat during the 2022 General Election on a UDA ticket. He received 19,380 votes but lost to Jubilee Party candidate David Kiaraho, who retained the seat with 24,058 votes.
Kiaraho’s death on March 29, 2026, left the seat vacant and triggered the July 16 by-election.
Ngotho has since moved to DCP, while UDA is relying on Muchina to retain its political influence in Nyandarua and the wider Mt Kenya region.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights has warned that the campaign period was characterised by reports of organised attacks, voter bribery, intimidation, gunshots, destruction of campaign materials and unlawful night meetings.
KNCHR called on security agencies to investigate and prosecute the organisers and financiers of political violence before the situation undermines the credibility of the vote.