OL KALOU, Kenya — Newly elected Ol Kalou Member of Parliament Sammy Douglas Kamau Waweru has condemned the killing of two constituents during the constituency’s parliamentary by-election, describing the violence as a tragic attack on democracy and calling for those responsible to be brought to justice.
In a statement issued after the election, Waweru said no political contest should result in the loss of innocent lives and criticised what he termed the silence of government authorities and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) over the deaths and injuries reported during the poll.
“It is with deep sorrow that I condemn the brutal killing of two of our constituents during the Ol Kalou by-election. No election is worth the loss of innocent lives,” Waweru said.
He identified the deceased as James Muigai Mwathi of Kaimbaga Ward and Zachariah Gakinya Mukora of Rurii Ward.
According to Waweru, Mwathi was allegedly assaulted at Mumbi Primary School Polling Centre, while Mukora, a truck driver, was reportedly beaten to death outside Huho-ini Polling Station shortly after returning home to cast his vote.
“These two young men lost their lives believing in a better Ol Kalou. Their families deserve justice, and our constituency deserves answers,” he said.
The legislator alleged that the attacks occurred in the presence of security personnel and expressed concern over what he described as the lack of official communication regarding the incidents.
“It is deeply disappointing that, despite the violence witnessed during the election, the Government and the IEBC have remained largely silent on the killings and the many people who were injured,” he added.
Visit to bereaved family
Following his election victory, Waweru visited the family of Zachariah Gakinya Mukora in Rurii Ward to offer condolences and assure them of his commitment to pursuing justice.
Describing the deceased as a father of three, the MP said Mukora had returned home from work intending to vote before he was allegedly attacked outside the polling station.
“My heartfelt condolences to his family. I pray that God grants them strength during this difficult time. We will continue to demand justice for Zachariah and all victims of the violence witnessed during the Ol Kalou by-election,” Waweru said.
He urged residents to reject political violence, insisting that elections should remain peaceful and democratic.
“We will never allow political violence to become part of our democracy,” he said.
Calls for investigations
The violence has renewed concerns about election-related security and accountability in Kenya, where electoral contests have at times been marred by clashes and loss of life.
Under the Constitution of Kenya, every citizen has the right to life, security and political participation, while the National Police Service Act mandates security agencies to maintain law and order and protect the public during elections. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is also constitutionally required to conduct elections that are free, fair, transparent and peaceful.
The deaths of James Muigai Mwathi and Zachariah Gakinya Mukora have intensified calls for a thorough, independent investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the violence and ensure accountability for those responsible.
