Linda Mwananchi Issues Way Forward on Ol Kalou Visit After Gachagua’s Warning
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Linda Mwananchi has announced that it will not proceed with its planned political engagements in Ol Kalou ahead of the constituency’s parliamentary by-election, opting instead to hold its activities in nearby Nyahururu.
The decision comes hours after former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua publicly urged Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata and the Linda Mwananchi movement to stay away from the Ol Kalou campaigns, insisting the contest should remain a local affair.
In a press statement dated July 11, 2026, the movement claimed the change of venue was prompted by alleged plans to disrupt its activities and create conditions that could lead to the postponement of the July 16 by-election.
The statement also accused the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and the government of laying the groundwork for such a scenario, allegations that have not been independently verified.
“We have noted with deep concern the statements and actions of the IEBC which are clearly aimed at setting the stage for the postponement of the Ol Kalou Parliamentary by-election,” the statement read.
The movement further alleged that it had received information about plans to provoke violence against its supporters during the scheduled tour of Ol Kalou.
“We are also aware of elaborate plans by the Ruto administration to incite and execute acts of violence in Ol Kalou as the perfect pretext to postpone the by-election. Part of these plans includes planned violent attacks on the Linda Mwananchi team during their engagements in Ol Kalou. Police squads without uniforms and goons have been mobilised from parts of Kiambu, Murang’a, and Nakuru and deployed to attack the Linda Mwananchi convoy along the trail during their tour of Ol Kalou. The strategy is to use Linda Mwananchi’s acts of self-defence against violent attacks as the excuse to declare a state of siege, necessitating the postponement of the by-election,” Linda Mwananchi movement stated.
Shift to Nyahururu
The movement said it had decided to relocate its political activities to Nyahururu rather than proceed with the planned Ol Kalou engagements.
“As we believe that holding the by-election without any delay and defeating the UDA kakistocracy is the overwhelming desire of the people of Ol Kalou and Kenyans at large, Linda Mwananchi will instead tour Nyahururu tomorrow and render the nefarious and sinister plans by IEBC and the Ruto kakistocracy impossible to achieve,” the movement said.
The statement concluded with an appeal to Ol Kalou residents to remain steadfast during the by-election period.
“We call upon the people of Ol Kalou to live the words and spirit of the great Field Marshal Dedan Kimathi – ‘It is better to die while standing than to live on your knees.’ The extensive bribery of voters by a discredited government is not new to Ol Kalou. KANU did it in Kipipiri and lost miserably. We trust in the sound judgment of the people of Ol Kalou to uphold and not to sell their sovereignty,” Linda Mwananchi stated.
Gachagua’s Earlier Warning
The announcement followed remarks by Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua, who urged Governor Irungu Kang’ata and the Linda Mwananchi movement not to participate in the Ol Kalou by-election campaigns.
Speaking on Friday, Gachagua maintained that the campaign had been run by local leaders for months and did not require outside political players.
“I want to tell my brother Irungu Kang’ata, I heard him saying that he wants to come with Linda Mwananchi to Ol Kalou. We don’t need you there for DCP, unless you are coming to campaign for another party,” Gachagua said.
Also Read:IEBC Warns It Could Postpone or Cancel Ol Kalou By-Election
Gachagua argued that Kang’ata was unfamiliar with the local political dynamics and warned against introducing new campaign actors days before the vote.
“Irungu Kang’ata has never been Ol Kalou. He does not understand Ol Kalou. He doesn’t understand the issues. He doesn’t understand the narrative. He cannot come and bring Linda Mwananchi to campaign the last day without knowing what the issues are and how the campaign is being done,” Gachagua added.
He further said even leaders allied to the opposition had been asked to keep away from the constituency to allow the local campaign team to remain in charge.
“For DCP, we have a local campaign. Even the principals of the United Alternative Government I have requested them to let the people work and do their own campaign. Kang’ata should not bring unnecessary fuss in Ol Kalou. It’s a local campaign with local issues and we would like it to remain that way. I am on stand-by myself. I have not been in Ol Kalou because it’s not necessary,” Gachagua said.
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A photo collage of DCP Party leader Rigathi Gachagua and Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata. PHOTO/ Gachagua X/ Murang’a County
