Kang’ata: My driver has been shot during Nyahururu Linda Mwananchi rally
By Kenneth Mwenda, July 12, 2026Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata has reported that his driver, identified as Gitari, was shot during the Linda Mwananchi rally in Nyahururu.
Kang’ata made the announcement onhis X account on Sunday, July 12, 2026, shortly after reports of violence emerged during the opposition movement’s activities in Nyahururu.
“My driver Gitari has been shot during Linda Mwananchi Rally,” Kang’ata wrote.
The incident happened as Linda Mwananchi leaders held a public rally in Nyahururu after attending a church service at AIPCA Nyahururu Cathedral earlier in the day.
The leaders included Kang’ata, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, Anthony Kibagendi and Linda Mwananchi spokesperson Caroli Omondi. The team had planned a town procession and a public address.
Tension during rally
The Nyahururu rally came amid heightened political tension in the region, with different groups accusing each other of planning disruptions.
Kang’ata and Linda Mwananchi leaders had initially planned to visit Ol Kalou but changed their programme after concerns over possible confrontations.
On Friday, Kang’ata announced that the team would only hold activities in Nyahururu and would not proceed to Ol Kalou.
“Linda Mwananchi will only go to Nyahururu Town. We are not going to Nyandarua for now as we had scheduled,” he said.
The political tension has also affected other campaign activities linked to the Ol Kalou contest. On Saturday, July 11, 2026, Gachagua said a Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) campaign truck was attacked and vandalised at Pembroke in Gilgil, Nakuru County, while heading to a campaign event.
Earlier on Sunday, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Siaya Governor James Orengo attended a church service in Kisumu as part of Linda Mwananchi mobilisation activities.
The Kisumu event also faced disruption claims after reports emerged of suspected goons attacking the gathering and burning motorbikes.
The reported shooting of Kang’ata’s driver comes days after another incident linked to Linda Mwananchi activities in Kisii County, where leaders claimed a supporter died following an attack on the movement’s convoy in Keumbu.
The leaders identified the deceased as Vincent Oscemo, popularly known as Mapinduzi, saying he succumbed to injuries sustained after suspected attackers pelted the convoy with stones on Friday, July 3, 2026.
According to Kitutu Masaba MP Clive Gisairo, Oscemo was among supporters travelling on a campaign vehicle from Kisii town towards Keroka when the attack happened at Keumbu Market. He claimed that at least 20 other people were injured during the incident.
“We have lost lives and many others have been injured. What happened in Keumbu should never be tolerated in a democratic society,” Gisairo said.
Police launched investigations into the Keumbu attack and summoned Nyaribari Chache MP Zaheer Jhanda as part of the probe. The National Police Service, however, had not officially confirmed the reported death at the time leaders made the claims.
Political leaders have continued to call for peaceful campaigns and urged supporters to avoid confrontations.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has also emphasised the need for candidates and supporters to follow electoral laws and maintain peace during the campaign period.