Popular social media commentator Councillor Njohi emerged as the central figure in reports of violence during the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party primaries for the upcoming parliamentary by-election in Ol Kalou, Nyandarua County.
The nominations, held on May 8 after being moved from May 9, were meant to pick the ruling party’s candidate to replace the late MP David Kiaraho.
The contest had attracted several aspirants, turning the exercise into a high-stakes political battle.
But what was expected to be a routine party process quickly turned dramatic after Njohi claimed he had been abducted, assaulted, and taken out of the constituency during the exercise.
Councilor Njohi Attacked
In a recorded statement made in the early hours of Saturday, May 9, Njohi said unknown individuals seized him in Ol Kalou at the height of the political activity and subjected him to physical assault before moving him to another location.
He described the attackers as “state actors” and said the chaos broke out at the scene, with gunshots fired to disperse crowds. According to his account, his glasses were smashed during the incident, and his hair was cut, in what he described as “cutting his mane”.
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Njohi said he was later driven towards Narok, where he continued to face intimidation before being rescued by associates.
“I am safe. I am not injured. They crushed my glasses but I am still fine,” he said in the statement, adding that the incident would not deter him from pursuing his political goals.
The councilor maintained that he recognized some of the individuals involved and vowed to name them publicly in a detailed statement later.
He also insisted that the events would be investigated, pointing to the presence of surveillance cameras in Ol Kalou town.
There was, however, no immediate confirmation from police or election officials regarding the alleged abduction.
High-stakes Contest Fuels Tension
The incident comes against the backdrop of rising political tension in Ol Kalou, where the by-election has drawn national interest.
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UDA primaries in the constituency have been highly competitive, with several candidates battling for the party ticket in what analysts describe as a defining contest for influence in the Mt Kenya region.
The party had earlier shifted the nomination date, citing logistical concerns, including the risk of clashes with other parties holding parallel nominations.
Officials said the move was meant to reduce confusion and maintain order, but tension remained high due to the number of aspirants and intense campaigning.
Reports from the ground indicated heavy mobilization by rival camps, especially in key voting blocs such as Kanjuiri and Mirangine wards, which are known to influence outcomes in the constituency.
UDA had previously warned its members against violence during nominations, noting that internal contests often generate heightened emotions.
Despite those warnings, the claims by Njohi now raise fresh concerns about the security of candidates and the credibility of the process.
As attention now shifts to resolving disputes from the primaries, Njohi’s allegations have added a new layer of controversy to an already heated contest.
The winner of the UDA nomination is expected to face candidates from rival parties in the July 16 by-election, which is shaping up to be a closely watched political showdown in Nyandarua County.
