Murkomen orders probe into Ol Kalou by-election violence, says culprits must be arrested

Speaking on the security situation surrounding the by-election, Murkomen assured Kenyans that the Inspector General of Police had deployed sufficient officers to maintain law and order throughout the exercise.

He, however, said reports that some individuals caused chaos in Ol Kalou must be investigated to establish who was involved and who may have deployed them.

"Let me assure Kenyans that the Inspector General of Police deployed enough officers to provide security in Ol Kalou. These allegations of some other persons causing havoc in Ol Kalou must be investigated thoroughly, and anyone found culpable must be arrested regardless of what they were doing and who deployed them to Ol Kalou," Murkomen said.

The Interior CS maintained that accountability should apply equally, adding that investigations should not spare anyone, even if those implicated were deployed by security authorities.

"Whether they were deployed by the Inspector General, they must be dealt with and dealt with conclusively," he said.

Murkomen reiterated the government's position against political violence, saying no form of violence would be tolerated during the electoral process.

"We are not condoning violence in any way," he said.

His remarks come amid heightened scrutiny of security arrangements following the Ol Kalou by-election, where allegations of violence and disruption have prompted calls for investigations and accountability.

Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) Leader Rigathi Gachagua has blamed a section of Mt Kenya Members of Parliament for orchestrating the violence witnessed during the Ol Kalou by-elections held on Thursday, July 16. 

In a press briefing, Gachagua accused Nominated Senator Sabina Chege, Kiambaa MP John Njuguna Kawanjiku, Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi, Murang'a Woman Representative Betty Maina and Kiambu Woman Representative Anne Wamuratha for alleged betrayal of the community, citing that they operated under President William Ruto's instructions. 

According to Gachagua, the lawmakers control three killer police squads used in causing chaos during events and the Ol Kalou mini-polls.