Kirinyaga County Woman Representative Njeri Maina has called on the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the National Police Service (NPS) to investigate violence reported during political activities in the county on August 23.
In a statement on August 28, Maina said the incidents, which left several people injured and raised concerns over political intimidation, should be thoroughly investigated regardless of the political affiliations of those involved.
Maina stated that violence was reported in Kiaragana, where several people were injured, including one person who reportedly suffered critical knife wounds. She said police recorded the incident.
She also cited an incident in Kiamumbi, where she said women who had gathered to receive former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua were allegedly assaulted and threatened.
“These are not minor political disagreements. Assault, intimidation, and the use of weapons have no place in democratic competition,” she said.
Njeri Maina Raises Questions Over Buses
Maina also raised questions over video footage that she said appeared to show buses transporting groups of people to the area before some of the passengers joined the campaign crowd.
She said witness accounts and other available material had raised questions about who organized the transport, who facilitated the movement of the individuals, and who directed their activities after they arrived.
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Maina said some local individuals had subsequently been identified as persons of interest and that she would submit the information available to her to the relevant investigative authorities.
She further called for investigations into allegations concerning Wangui Ngirici, her political network and individuals associated with her previous gubernatorial campaigns.
“The information available to us will be shared with the relevant investigative authorities. Questions must be asked. Serious allegations have been raised regarding the possible role of Wangui Ngirici, her political network, and individuals associated with her gubernatorial campaigns,” she stated.
She stressed that investigators should not treat the allegations as established facts before they complete their work.
She added that the investigation should neither be influenced by political connections nor used to prejudge anyone.
DCI Asked to Establish Who Organized the Groups
Njeri Maina questioned whether investigators had established the ownership and operators of the buses seen in the footage and whether the people responsible for hiring and paying for them had been identified.
She also asked whether investigators had established where the passengers boarded, who received them when they arrived, and whether they had identified and interviewed individuals captured in the footage.
The Women Rep further called for statements to be taken from people who were injured as well as women who reported being assaulted or threatened.
“If the National Police Service and the DCI have received witness accounts, reports, video material, and information identifying persons of interest, the people of Kirinyaga deserve to know what action has been taken since that day,” she said.
Maina said she was demanding a comprehensive investigation and a report on the findings.
Warning Against Political Violence
The Woman Rep warned that continued political violence could create a dangerous environment in Kirinyaga ahead of the 2027 General Election.
She cautioned against the emergence of organized groups of young people being used to disrupt political meetings, intimidate opponents or influence political contests through violence.
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Njeri Maina said political violence can gradually become normalized if incidents involving hired groups, weapons and intimidation are not addressed.
She also appealed directly to young people who may be recruited into political groups, warning them against allowing unemployment, frustration or financial difficulties to be exploited for political violence.
“Do not allow politicians to convert your unemployment, frustration or financial difficulties into weapons against your neighbours,” she said.
She argued that young people who participate in political violence are more likely to face arrest, injury or death while politicians who finance such activities may remain protected.
Maina also challenged security agencies to demonstrate that political connections would not shield anyone suspected of involvement in violence.
She said allegations that some individuals enjoy political protection should be addressed through an independent investigation, not political speculation.
“If she and her associates had nothing to do with the violence, an impartial investigation is all we are demanding to establish that,” Maina said.
She added that anyone found to have planned, financed, transported, facilitated or participated in violence should face the law regardless of their political status, wealth or connections.
Njeri Maina Earlier Accused Super Metro of Transporting Goons to Gachagua’s Rally
Njeri Maina raised questions about the presence of several Super Metro buses in the county on August 23, when former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua held political engagements.
Maina alleged that the buses had transported people to Kirinyaga to disrupt Gachagua’s meetings and warned that those who organized or facilitated the alleged activities could be held legally responsible if violence occurred.
“Super Metro! I see you have transported Kasongo’s goons to Kirinyaga to wreak havoc at Riggy G’s meetings. As we legally come for the local organizers and facilitators. We shall also hold you legally culpable for aiding and abetting any violence that happens at any of the meetings today!” Maina stated.
Super Metro later denied the allegation, saying its buses were being used to transport youths for a church-organised activity.
AIC Church Ziwani Nairobi supported the explanation, saying the youths were traveling to Kathandeni Forest in Gichugu Constituency for a hiking activity and had no connection to Gachagua’s political activities.
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