Cries for justice dominated the requiem mass for Zacharia Gakinya, 42, and James Muigai, 30, who were killed during the July 16 Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, leaving behind grieving families and renewed demands for accountability.
Gakinya is survived by a widow and three children.
Speaking on behalf of Gakinya's family, his brother-in-law Amos Gitonga described him as a loyal employee who had left work to exercise his democratic right.
“He asked another voter to allow him to vote first because he wanted to return to work. On his way back, he met the attackers. We heard the gunshots and, when they stopped, Gakinya was dead,” he said.
Mr Gitonga said a woman hiding in a nearby maize plantation witnessed the attack and raised the alarm, prompting the assailants to flee.
Gakinya's employer, David Mwanu, said the company had facilitated drivers to travel home and vote.
“He was one of our most reliable employees and was loved by everyone,” he said.
Relatives and friends during the requiem mass for the two victims of goons during the July 16 Ol Kalou by-elections on July 23, 2026.by-elections
Photo credit: Waikwa Maina | Nation
Muigai's grandfather, Joseph Kibe, said the 30-year-old had remained at the polling station to safeguard the vote after casting his ballot.
“He was attacked while performing a noble duty. As a family, we want answers about why our son was murdered,” he said.
At the emotional service, leaders led by DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua, relatives, friends and clergy united in demanding the arrest of the goons who unleashed violence during the election, in which the two men were killed.
The leaders also used the service to endorse Mr Gachagua as their preferred presidential candidate in next year's election.
Mr Gachagua claimed that all police officers involved in the violence would face justice after next year's elections, adding that chiefs accused of supporting the government would also be vetted afresh.
He said the deaths had saddened the entire Mt Kenya region, alleging that the killings were intended to intimidate the community.
According to Mr Gachagua, voting in Ol Kalou was peaceful until gangs under the supervision of some leaders disrupted the exercise.
“I have heard you say you will fight goons, but we have no goons; we have rogue police officers. I heard Murkomen congratulate the Inspector-General because he has allowed him to form and command goons,” he claimed.
The former deputy president urged musicians from the region to compose songs commemorating the victims, comparing them to resistance songs used during the struggle against colonial rule.
He also warned leaders allied to President Ruto, including Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung'wah and several Mt Kenya MPs, that voters would punish them at the ballot.
Mr Gachagua maintained that police officers linked to the killings would not be arrested under the current administration but would be prosecuted after the 2027 General Election.
“There is no time limit for criminal justice. Those officers will be arrested and charged after next year's elections," he said.
He also vowed to vet chiefs and assistant chiefs accused of supporting UDA and dismiss those found to have acted politically.
“These two heroes have united Kenyans in making informed political choices. They died defending the people's right to vote and protect that vote,” he said.
DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua and Nyandarua Governor Kiarie Badilisha during requiem mass for the two victims of goons during Ol Kalou byelection violence on July 23, 2026.
Photo credit: Waikwa Maina | Nation
DCP Secretary-General and Nyandarua Senator John Methu said there was no justification for the violence.
“The President says he wants to fight goons. I tell him these are police goons. If he is serious, he must first fire Murkomen. The onus is on the President because he has given Murkomen the powers to kill people,” Mr Methu said.
He alleged that the attacks had been planned at a local hotel after it became apparent that the UDA candidate was losing the election.
Mr Methu thanked Mr Gachagua for supporting the bereaved families and attending the funeral, urging supporters to reject UDA leaders through the ballot rather than violence.
Laikipia Senator John Kinyua accused the government of failing in its constitutional duty to protect lives and property.
On his part, Embakasi Central MP Benjamin Gathiru claimed the attackers were police officers and demanded their immediate arrest while East African Legislative Assembly MP Kanini Kega said the victims had died simply for exercising their democratic right to vote.
Ol Kalou MP-elect Samuel Kamau Ngotho said the victims' only "crime" was collecting their identity cards, voting and safeguarding the election results.
"Their deaths will not be in vain. Those responsible will suffer for generations," he said.
Leading the service, Reverend John Kanyi condemned the killings, saying those responsible would never find peace.
