Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has issued a stern warning to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, cautioning him against attempts to provoke violence ahead of the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election scheduled for July.
The sharp exchange comes after Gachagua accused Murkomen of deploying a “Nairobi Sierra killer squad” from the capital to attack his Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) campaigners in Nyandarua County. Gachagua claimed the squad was behind abductions, beatings, and disruptions targeting DCP supporters in the area.
In a strongly worded response on Wednesday night, Murkomen dismissed the allegations as “gimmicks” and “juvenile attempts at reverse psychology.” He accused Gachagua of trying to manipulate public perception and incite unrest for political gain.
“Mr Rigathi Gachagua, we know your gimmicks… Try violence in Ol Kalou, and you will see,” Murkomen stated. He further warned anyone being recruited for violent acts by the former DP to stay away, saying the consequences would be dire.
The CS emphasized that the government remains committed to ensuring peace and security during the by-election campaigns.
The tensions escalated following reported clashes between DCP and UDA supporters outside a hotel in Ol Kalou on Wednesday evening.
Supporters of Gachagua’s party and those aligned with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) exchanged blows, with claims of armed groups and overturned motorcycles.
The by-election, triggered by the vacancy of the seat, has become a major test of political loyalty in the Mt Kenya region between Gachagua-backed candidate Sammy Kamau Ngotho and UDA’s Samuel Muchina Nyaga.
Murkomen urged calm and called on all parties to conduct campaigns peacefully. He reiterated that security agencies are on high alert to prevent any chaos that could undermine the democratic process.
As campaigns intensify, residents of Ol Kalou have been urged to reject divisive politics and focus on issues affecting their daily lives.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has appealed for adherence to the law to ensure a credible poll.
