Former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has appeared to defend the United Opposition against claims that it orchestrated the violence witnessed during the Linda Mwananchi rally in Nyahururu town.

In a statement shared on his social media pages on Sunday, July 12, 2026, the former Cabinet Secretary, who is currently leading campaigns for United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Samuel Muchina in the Ol Kalou by-election, appeared to play devil’s advocate by defending the United Opposition.

“I can confirm that the violence against Linda Mwananchi in Nyahururu was NOT planned by the opposition. The TRUTH shall set us FREE,” Kuria said.

Kuria dismissed claims that leaders allied to the United Opposition were behind the attacks on their Linda Mwananchi counterparts, although he did not identify those responsible for the violence or indicate whether they were linked to the government or any other group.

Linda Mwananchi’s attack

His remarks come amid speculation that the attack on the Linda Mwananchi brigade may have been the result of infighting within the opposition. The claims gained traction after former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua had earlier cautioned the Linda Mwananchi team against campaigning in the area, urging them to leave the politics surrounding the Ol Kalou by-election to local leaders because of the heightened political temperatures.

However, Kuria has rejected that narrative, maintaining that the United Opposition was not responsible for the attacks.

The violence erupted after the Linda Mwananchi team, led by Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata and the movement’s spokesperson Caroli Omondi, held a rally in Nyahururu. The movement’s principal leaders, Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna and Siaya Governor James Orengo, were absent from the event, having instead attended a church service in Kisumu.

According to Governor Kang’ata, the group’s convoy came under attack, leaving his driver with a gunshot wound to the chest. The driver was rushed to hospital for treatment, while several vehicles were vandalised, forcing the movement to suspend its engagements in the area before later addressing the media.

Sifuna O’rengo attack

Meanwhile, in Kisumu, Orengo and Sifuna, who had skipped the Nyahururu rally and attended a service at ACK St Andrew’s Church, were also confronted by suspected goons who attempted to disrupt the service. Police intervened to disperse the group, while several motorcycles belonging to the attackers were later set ablaze by another group believed to be supporting the Sifuna-Orengo camp.