The criminal gangs that unleashed violence during the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election remain at large despite President William Ruto's directive to security agencies to crack down on political goons, raising fresh questions about the government's resolve to end a growing culture of impunity.
Even as the President ordered police on Monday to "stop criminality" and deal firmly with goons within the law, a special Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) team assembled to investigate the Ol Kalou violence had by Wednesday evening not left Nairobi, with officers saying they were still awaiting instructions from their superiors.
The multi-agency team, drawn from the DCI Serious Crimes Unit and the Operations Support Unit and constituted by DCI Director Mohammed Amin, was expected to spearhead investigations into the violence that claimed two lives and left dozens injured during last week's by-election.
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“No directive has been given by our bosses. We are waiting,” said a senior officer familiar with the investigations.
Despite widespread circulation of photographs, videos and vehicle registration numbers allegedly linked to the attackers, no suspect has been arrested, while the DCI is yet to summon politicians who have been linked to the violence.
"Now that we have consensus, our security agencies must do their job within the law and stop criminality. That's how we will secure Kenya's future," the President said on Monday.
Less than 24 hours later, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki reinforced the President's message, declaring that political violence had become a national security issue.
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Speaking while commissioning the Kithimani Land Registry in Yatta Constituency, Machakos County, Prof Kindiki warned politicians against sponsoring violence.
“It doesn't matter if you are supporting the opposition or you are supporting the government side, our national security and stability are paramount. We must say no to all forms of violence and the misuse of young people to transact politics.
“We must draw a clear line between politics, violence and criminality. We cannot mix politics with criminal acts and expect to have a country where hardworking citizens have their businesses destroyed. We must say no to all forms of violence and the misuse of young people to transact politics,” the DP said.
However, on the ground in Nyandarua and Ol Kalou, local administrators admit there is little prospect of immediate arrests.
Nyandarua Central Deputy County Commissioner Kenneth Kiprop told the Nation that investigations had established that those who carried out the attacks came from outside the county and had left immediately after the elections.
“We all know those goons never came from Nyandarua. Residents of Nyandarua were not involved in the violence. The attackers came from elsewhere, so we have no one to arrest in Nyandarua or Ol Kalou,” Mr Kiprop said.
He said local authorities had shifted their focus to peace-building initiatives involving chiefs and religious leaders.
Nyandarua Interfaith Council chairman Archbishop Josam Kariuki also maintained that no local resident had been linked to the violence.
Evidence documented by mainstream media and shared widely on social media showed many of the suspected goons attending campaign meetings organised by politicians from outside Nyandarua before the attacks.
KDJ 032F: Black Toyota Prado listed under Florence Wamuyu Njuki and Beatrice Wambui Wamwiri
Photo credit: Pool
Prof Kindiki, however, stopped short of commenting on calls to arrest politicians alleged to have mobilised the gangs.
Instead, he urged leaders to reject violence as the country heads towards the 2027 General Election.
His remarks come amid mounting public criticism over the apparent failure by security agencies to act against individuals identified in previous attacks on political rallies, public meetings and, most recently, the Ol Kalou by-election.
UDA candidate Muchina Nyaga, who lost to the DCP candidate, asked authorities to expedite investigations into the violence that marred the by-election.
“I agree we had incidents of goonism, but my vehicle was branded during the entire period. I urge the police to investigate and arrest the said goons. Nyandarua, we have never had political violence before; we don’t have to create enmity; those involved should be investigated,” said Muchina.
