馃嚢馃嚜KenyaEast Africa
Dennis Itumbi evacuates UDA mobilisers from Ol Kalou amid political tension
via Tuko2 min read
Dennis Itumbi, the head of Creative Economy and Special Projects in the Office of the President, reported evacuating 20 United Democratic Alliance UDA Party mobilisers from Rurii, Ol Kalou. He stated that the mobilisers reported threats and harassment, leading them to seek safety at a police station and later in hotel accommodation arranged by Itumbi. Itumbi expressed concern over what he termed a "troubling new brand of politics" in Mt Kenya, emphasizing that democracy relies on persuasion, not intimidation. He urged swift police action against those instigating violence and threats, and called for political actors to embrace opponents after election outcomes. These remarks follow heightened political tensions in Ol Kalou, which have included post-by-election violence and two fatalities.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Tuko.
A group of Kakamega politicians, led by Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya, affirmed their support for President William Ruto's 2027 reelection bid. Speaking at a rally in Shinyalu constituency, they accused young politicians from the region of attempting to fragment the Luhya vote. Oparanya stated that he would not allow the division of Western votes and criticized some young leaders for engaging in abusive politics. He also dismissed pressure to leave the Orange Democratic Movement ODM, asserting his long-standing membership. Additionally, Oparanya addressed former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, downplaying the significance of a recent by-election win and predicting Gachagua's defeat in 2027. Khwisero MP Christopher Aseka and other leaders from Kakamega county also accused former President Uhuru Kenyatta of funding young politicians in the region to oppose the current government. They emphasized the Luhya community's unity and support for the Kenya Kwanza administration, urging the president to focus on development projects in the Western region.
Former Trade Cabinet secretary Moses Kuria has appealed to communities outside Kikuyu land for acceptance after former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua declared him an outcast from the Kikuyu community. Gachagua, leading the Democracy for Citizens Party DCP, accused Kuria of fueling unrest in Mt. Kenya and inciting violence, particularly following the chaotic Ol Kalou by-election. Gachagua stated that Kuria has caused pain and suffering, and has made "goonism a culture" in the region, advising President William Ruto on how to "persecute the mountain." Kuria's plea highlighted that he can no longer attend church services, weddings, funerals, traditional ceremonies, or business meetings within the Kikuyu community. This development underscores deepening political rifts in Mt. Kenya, with leaders allied to Gachagua accusing UDA lawmakers of planning unrest during the by-election.
Two men were killed during the Ol Kalou Constituency by-election on Thursday, July 16, after armed individuals reportedly stormed polling stations in Nyandarua county. Ol Kalou MP-elect Sammy Ngotho confirmed the deaths, identifying the victims as James Muigai Mwathi and Zachariah Gakinya Mukora. Ngotho stated that Gakinya, a truck driver and father of three, had returned home to vote but was beaten to death outside Huho-ini Polling Station. Ngotho criticized the government and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission for their silence on the incidents. Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia also expressed outrage, noting that the victims were exercising their democratic rights. Nyandarua Senator John Methu accused four leaders of complicity, alleging that vehicles, including a Prado, were used to transport armed men into Ol Kalou and that political office staff guided the attackers. Kiambaa MP John Njuguna Wanjiku, who was present at one of the affected areas, denied involvement in organizing the violence, stating he was checking on UDA mobilizers and agents and clearing a blocked road.