Belgut MP Nelson Koech has blamed former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for the violence that targeted members of the Linda Mwananchi movement during their political activities in Nyahururu.

Speaking during an interview with a local media station on Monday, July 13, 2026, the outspoken legislator, who also chairs the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations, linked the violence to Gachagua’s recent warning to Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata against setting foot in Ol Kalou during the by-election campaigns.

According to Koech, Gachagua’s remarks created the impression that Kang’ata was unwelcome in the area, making him the main target during the attack.

The MP questioned why Kang’ata appeared to bear the brunt of the violence, noting that the governor’s convoy was stoned and that his driver was shot with a rubber bullet. Koech argued that the incident should be viewed in the context of Gachagua’s earlier warning.

He further claimed that, in his view, the former deputy president wants the Mt Kenya region to remain his political stronghold and expects anyone seeking to conduct political activities there to do so with his approval. Koech said this was the reason Gachagua did not want Kang’ata campaigning in the region.

“Gachagua is absolutely responsible for the attack if he can come out to issue a statement warning the Linda Mwannachi from holding a rally in the area and they are attacked. Who should be blamed for it?”

Koech also defended the police, dismissing claims that they were responsible for the chaos. Instead, he maintained that Gachagua should bear political responsibility for the attack on the Linda Mwananchi brigade because of his earlier remarks.

Kuria’s view

Meanwhile, former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has come to the defence of the United Opposition, saying he is convinced the coalition was not behind the violence meted out against its Linda Mwananchi counterparts. Kuria dismissed claims that leaders affiliated with the United Opposition orchestrated the attack, even as speculation continues over who was responsible for the unrest.

“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.

Linda Mwananchi attack

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 the hospital for treatment, while several vehicles were vandalised, forcing the movement to suspend its engagements in the area before later addressing the media.