Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina has called on the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to launch a comprehensive probe into alleged political violence that erupted during former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s rally in Kirinyaga County on August 23, 2026.
Maina wants investigators to establish whether Kirinyaga gubernatorial aspirant Wangui Ngirici, her husband Andrew Ngirici, or individuals linked to their political networks played any role in the violence that left several people injured and raised concerns over the safety of political gatherings in the county.
Speaking during a media address on Friday, August 28, Maina described the events of August 23 as a serious threat to democratic competition, warning that political violence must not be allowed to become normal in Kirinyaga.
“The events of 23rd August 2026 must concern every resident of Kirinyaga, regardless of political affiliation,” Maina stated, adding that what began as an ordinary political activity descended into “violence, intimidation, and fear.”
She pointed to separate incidents reported in Kiaragana and Kiamumbi, where she claimed several people were injured. According to Maina, one person in Kiaragana reportedly sustained critical knife wounds, with the incident recorded at a police station under OB number 17/26/08/2026.
She further claimed that women who had gathered in Kiamumbi to welcome Gachagua were physically assaulted and threatened, with the incident recorded under OB number 29/26/08/2026.
Maina argued that the allegations warranted investigation rather than being dismissed as ordinary political disagreements. “These are not minor political disagreements. Assault, intimidation, and the use of weapons have no place in democratic competition,” she stated.
The legislator also raised questions over video footage that she had previously circulated, which she claimed appeared to show buses transporting groups of people to the rally before some of those on board joined the crowd. Previously, she called out popular Public Service Vehicle (PSV) Sacco Super Metro, claiming the company was transporting the groups to the rally. The matatu sacco has since dismissed the claims.
She called on 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 had been identified.
Maina further urged the DCI to establish whether statements had been recorded from injured victims and women who allegedly experienced assault and threats. She identified “certain local individuals” as persons of interest and indicated that information available to her would be handed over to investigative authorities.
The Kirinyaga legislator, however, stressed that allegations against Ngirici and her associates should not be treated as facts before investigations are completed. “Questions must be asked. Serious allegations have been raised regarding the possible role of Wangui Ngirici, her political network, and individuals associated with her gubernatorial campaigns,” she stated.
“Questions have similarly been raised concerning the involvement of her husband, Andrew Ngirici. These allegations must be investigated thoroughly, independently, and without fear or favor.”
Maina also challenged the National Police Service (NPS) and DCI to demonstrate that politically connected individuals would not receive different treatment under the law.
She questioned whether Ngirici enjoyed political protection, arguing that an independent investigation would either establish or disprove the allegations. “If she and her associates had nothing to do with the violence, an impartial investigation is all we are demanding to establish that,” Maina stated.
The legislator issued a wider warning about the possible emergence of organised political violence in Kirinyaga, cautioning against the county becoming “a little Haiti.” Further, she warned that political violence could escalate from hired groups and transportation of supporters to the use of weapons and permanent groups of young people deployed against political opponents.
Maina also appealed to young people not to allow politicians to recruit them into violence, arguing that they risked bearing the consequences while political leaders remained protected.
She maintained that next year’s elections should be decided through competition of ideas rather than intimidation, saying “Political competition is not war."
She urged the Inspector General of Police and the DCI to investigate the August 23 incidents transparently and ensure that anyone found to have planned, financed, facilitated, or participated in violence faces the law regardless of political connections.
“Kirinyaga will not be governed through fear. We will disagree politically. We will campaign vigorously. We will compete for the support of our people, but we must draw one unmistakable line: no guns, no knives, no hired goons, no intimidation, no political violence,” she stated.
Neither Ngirici nor her husband Andrew had responded to Njeri's remarks by the time of publishing this story.
