DCI has launched investigations into violence during the Ol Kalou by-election, including the involvement of armed, hooded men, with Kiambaa MP John Njuguna Wanjiku's vehicle among those under scrutiny.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has launched investigations into the violence witnessed during the July 16 Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, including the alleged involvement of armed and hooded individuals.
In a statement on Sunday, July 19, two days after the polls, the DCI said detectives were pursuing all credible leads through forensic examination of available footage and other evidence, witness interviews and digital analysis to identify and arrest those behind the chaos. According to the agency, the investigations will also target individuals who planned, financed or incited the violence, in addition to those directly involved in carrying out the attacks.
"The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has launched investigations into incidents of violence and disruption reported during the Ol Kalou by-election, including the involvement of armed and hooded individuals," the DCI said. "Detectives are actively pursuing all credible leads through forensic examination of available evidence, analysis of digital material, witness interviews and other investigative processes to identify and apprehend those responsible," it added.
Murkomen Directs DCI to Open Probe Files
The investigations come hours after Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen directed the DCI to open probe files into the violence, insisting that everyone found culpable would be prosecuted regardless of their political affiliation. Speaking during a tour of Trans Nzoia County on Sunday
Murkomen said investigators had already begun efforts to identify hooded and armed individuals who caused chaos during Thursday's by-election.
"I want to tell the nation that the DCI has already opened a file; the investigation is ongoing, persons will be summoned. When files are ready, they will be presented to the DPP for prosecution," Murkomen said.
He added that any security officers or state operatives found to have acted unlawfully during the exercise would also face legal action.
MP's Vehicle Under Scrutiny
The Ol Kalou by-election was marred by violence, with opposition leaders accusing police officers and armed individuals of intimidating voters and disrupting the electoral process. Among those under public scrutiny is Kiambaa MP John Njuguna Wanjiku, popularly known as Ka-Wanjiku, whose black Toyota Land Cruiser, registration KDL 477Q, was traced by a Nation investigation to a convoy linked to hooded men who hurled tear gas and attacked journalists.
The UDA lawmaker confirmed the vehicle was his and admitted his presence in the footage, but denied any role in the violence. He said he was patrolling alone to support UDA mobilisers, describing the men seen with him as his bodyguard and aides, and said he had encountered goons while trying to clear barricades on the day.
Election Outcome
The by-election was eventually won by Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) candidate Sammy Kamau, who garnered 35,440 votes, representing more than 86 per cent of the total votes cast. United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Samuel Nyagah finished second with 5,450 votes, while other candidates shared the remaining votes.