Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata has alleged that his driver was shot during chaos that disrupted a Linda Mwananchi Group rally in Nyahururu on Sunday, July 12.
According to the governor, his driver, identified as Gitari, suffered a gunshot wound to the chest while Kang’ata and other Linda Mwananchi leaders attended a church service at the AIPCA Nyahururu Cathedral.
Kang’ata claimed the convoy was first confronted by armed civilians before his driver became involved in a confrontation with individuals believed to be police officers.
"We were first stoned while in church. My vehicle was blocked and confiscated. My driver was injured by police. He has a bullet lodged on his chest," Governor Kang'ata alleged.
It was not immediately clear whether the driver was hit by a rubber bullet or live ammunition. Kang’ata said the driver was unable to move following the incident.
Photos obtained by Vantage Ke show parts of the governor’s motorcade damaged, with several vehicle windows shattered after being pelted with stones.
The incident sparked heightened tension in Nyahururu, where a planned rally led by Kang’ata was temporarily disrupted after clashes broke out between rival groups.
At one point, organisers were heard urging residents to return to the venue, insisting they would not be intimidated and that the rally would proceed as planned.
Among the leaders affected were Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi and Suba South MP Caroli Omondi, who were forced to leave the rally after the violence erupted.
Kang’ata later appealed for calm, urging supporters to remain peaceful as organisers sought to continue with the meeting. The circumstances surrounding the attack and those responsible have yet to be established.
The unrest in Nyahururu occurred almost at the same time as another disruption in Kisumu County, where armed goons reportedly targeted a separate Linda Mwananchi church service.
A group of youths carrying crude weapons, including arrows and machetes, was seen heading toward the St. Stephen's ACK Cathedral, where Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Siaya Governor James Orengo were attending a church service.
At least one person reportedly sustained serious injuries during the ensuing confrontation, while police fired tear gas to disperse the crowds and restore order.
