Kirinyaga: Kirinyaga County Woman Representative Jane Njeri Maina has called for a speedy and independent investigation into the events of August 23, 2026, when DCP party leader Rigathi Gachagua toured Kirinyaga County.
According to Kenya News Agency, Njeri emphasized that what should have been an ordinary political activity resulted in violence, intimidation, and fear, leaving several people injured and communities shaken. She stressed the importance of addressing the issue to prevent it from becoming normalized in the political landscape.
Speaking in Kirinyaga, the County Representative highlighted that several people were injured and threatened with further violence, which left them fearful for their safety. Njeri condemned the use of assault, intimidation, and weapons in democratic processes, stating that such actions have no place in political competition.
Furthermore, Njeri raised concerns about the possible involvement of certain politicians and their grassroots campaigners in the violence, urging that these claims be thoroughly investigated. She insisted that the investigations be conducted without fear or favor and warned against dismissing allegations due to political connections or treating them as proven without proper evidence.
Njeri emphasized the importance of transparency, urging the National Police Service and the DCI to inform the people of Kirinyaga about the actions taken since the day of the violence, especially if they have received witness accounts, reports, video material, and information identifying persons of interest.
The County Representative stated that anyone involved in planning, financing, transporting, facilitating, or participating in the violence, regardless of their political status, wealth, or family connections, should face the full force of the law to uphold the principle of equality before the law as outlined in the Constitution.
Njeri vowed to prevent Kirinyaga from becoming a place where organized groups of violent young men are used to settle political disputes, intimidate communities, or control the political landscape, warning that such situations lead to fear among residents and discourage political expression.
She urged young people not to allow politicians to exploit their unemployment, frustration, or financial difficulties to incite violence against their neighbors, reminding them that political competition is not war and that their future holds more value than a politician’s campaign.
