Nyandarua Senator John Methu has defended Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja over the violence witnessed during the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, arguing that the police leadership had made adequate security arrangements but was undermined by what he described as the deployment of political goons.

Speaking in an interview with Kameme TV on Monday, July 20, 2026, Methu pointed out that the Inspector General had mobilised enough police officers to safeguard the electoral process and ensure voters exercised their democratic rights without intimidation.

According to the senator, the violence was not a result of police failure but of interference by individuals organised outside the police command structure.

“The IG as a person was willing to protect the Ol Kalou by-election because all the uniformed officers were willing and had the orders to protect the elections. The problem is that the Inspector General organised 1,000 police officers, and his superior, who is the Interior Minister, organised goons. When the goons arrived at the voting centres, they fought both the voters and the uniformed officers,” Methu said.

Methu shifts blame to Murkomen

Methu’s remarks shift responsibility for the violence away from the National Police Service leadership and instead place it on Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, whom opposition leaders have repeatedly accused of failing to prevent politically motivated violence.

The outspoken first-time senator has maintained that the uniformed officers deployed across polling stations had demonstrated professionalism and were prepared to secure the election until they were overwhelmed by groups he said had been mobilised to disrupt the exercise.

The Ol Kalou by-election was marred by violent incidents at several polling stations, with clashes disrupting voting and leaving at least two people dead.

The unrest sparked widespread criticism from opposition leaders, who accused the government of using hired gangs to intimidate voters and influence the outcome of the poll.

Methu calls for accountability

The government has denied allegations of sponsoring violence, while security agencies have maintained that investigations into the incidents are ongoing.

The DCP secretary-general designate has called for accountability over the events, insisting that those responsible for organising and financing the violence should be identified and prosecuted to safeguard the integrity of future elections.