NAIROBI, Kenya- Former Cabinet Secretary and former presidential senior economic adviser Moses Kuria has said the violence that disrupted a Linda Mwananchi political event in Nyahururu was not planned by the opposition, distancing opposition leaders from claims they orchestrated the attacks.
In a statement shared on his social media platforms on Sunday, Kuria wrote: “I can confirm that the violence against Linda Mwananchi in Nyahururu was NOT planned by the opposition. The TRUTH shall set us FREE.”
Kuria’s remarks come amid competing narratives over the violence that erupted during a Linda Mwananchi gathering in Nyahururu, where clashes disrupted political activities and heightened tensions ahead of the July 16 Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election.
Although Kuria dismissed allegations that opposition leaders planned the violence, he did not identify those responsible or indicate whether any group or individuals were behind the attack.
The incident has triggered sharp political reactions, with Belgut MP Nelson Koech accusing former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of bearing responsibility for the violence, an allegation that adds to the conflicting accounts surrounding the incident.
The National Police Service has also weighed in on the events, disputing claims by Linda Mwananchi leaders that Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata’s driver was shot during the chaos. Police said no shooting occurred during the incident, contrary to the claims made by opposition leaders.
The Nyahururu violence has become a major talking point in the final days of campaigning for the Ol Kalou by-election, with leaders from both the Kenya Kwanza alliance and the opposition exchanging accusations over responsibility for the unrest.
Campaigns officially end on Monday evening, 48 hours before voters head to the polls on July 16.