Gachagua: One dead, 20 injured in Ol Kalou by-election violence
By Ndiritu Wanjiru, July 17, 2026Former Deputy President and Democracy for the Citizen’s Party member Rigathi Gachagua has stated that one person was killed and at least 20 others were injured during unrest in Ol Kalou, Nyandarua County, accusing the government of deploying police officers who allegedly used excessive force against residents.
Speaking in a press release on Friday. July 17, 2026, Gachagua identified the deceased as James Muigai, saying that he was shot dead during the confrontation. He further claimed that at least 20 people were admitted to the hospital with gunshot wounds and head injuries sustained during the violence.
“William Ruto managed to kill one. James Muigai was shot and killed by policemen sent by William Ruto. Twenty people are in hospital with gunshot wounds and head injuries after being attacked by the killer squad sent by William Ruto,” Gachagua said.
Gachagua has announced plans to mobilise young people to safeguard communities and public gatherings, saying residents would no longer tolerate what he described as “goonism” in his vows of community mobilisation.
“We are going to mobilise our young people to protect the community, our leaders, churches, businesses and meetings. Goonism will not be allowed in the mountains again,” Gachagua said.
Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) candidate Sammy Douglas Waweru Kamau was declared the winner of the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election on Friday, July 17, 2026, after securing a commanding 35,440 votes, defeating United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Samuel Muchina Nyaga, who garnered 5,450 votes.
Rising tensions
The remarks by the former deputy president have come after the fiercely contested Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, which was won by Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) candidate Sammy Douglas Kamau Waweru in a landslide victory over the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate.
The former DP has stated that security officers targeted residents and supporters during the aftermath of the election, maintaining that those injured were victims of what he termed a coordinated police operation.
Calls for investigations
The former deputy president has demanded accountability over the reported deaths and injuries, calling for investigations into the conduct of security officers deployed in Ol Kalou.