Kirinyaga MP Njeri Maina calls for probe against Wangui Ngirici over violence at Gachagua rally

Kirinyaga County MP Njeri Maina has called for a comprehensive investigation into alleged political violence during political activities led by DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua in the county on August 23, 2026.

Maina said several people were injured in incidents reported in Kiaragana and Kiamumbi, with one person allegedly sustaining critical knife wounds in Kiaragana.

She said the Kiaragana incident was reported at a police station under OB number 17/26/08/2026, while the alleged assault and intimidation of women in Kiamumbi was recorded under OB number 29/26/08/2026.

According to Maina, the incidents should not be dismissed as ordinary political disagreements, arguing that assault, intimidation and the use of weapons have no place in democratic competition.

The MP also raised questions over groups of people who were allegedly transported by buses to the areas where the violence occurred.

She said video footage she had previously circulated appeared to show buses transporting groups of people before they disembarked and joined the campaign crowds.

Maina wants investigators to establish who hired and paid for the buses, where the passengers boarded, who received them after they arrived and whether individuals captured in the footage have been identified and questioned.

She further called for investigations into allegations concerning former Kirinyaga Woman Rep Wangui Ngirici, her political network and her husband Andrew Ngirici.

Maina stressed that the allegations should not be treated as proof of wrongdoing before investigators establish the facts.

"If she and her associates had nothing to do with the violence, an impartial investigation is all we are demanding to establish that," she said.

She challenged the National Police Service and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to demonstrate that politically connected individuals would not receive preferential treatment.

"If evidence demonstrates that any person, regardless of political status, wealth, family connections, or proximity to State House, planned, financed, transported, facilitated, or participated in violence, then that person must face the full wrath of the law," Maina said.

The MP also warned against the emergence of organised political gangs in Kirinyaga ahead of the 2027 General Election.

She said the recruitment of young people into political violence could leave ordinary Kenyans injured, arrested or killed while politicians and their families remain protected.

Maina urged young people not to allow their unemployment or financial difficulties to be exploited by politicians seeking to mobilise them for violence.

She said all candidates should be allowed to campaign freely across Kirinyaga, while residents should be able to support candidates of their choice without fear of assault or intimidation.

"Kirinyaga will not be governed through fear," Maina said, adding that political competition should have clear boundaries: "no guns, no knives, no hired goons, no intimidation, no political violence."

She called on the Inspector General of Police and the DCI to investigate the August 23 incidents comprehensively and transparently and report on the action taken.