Three injured as DCP, UDA supporters clash ahead of Ol Kalou by-election

Transport along the Gilgil–Ol Kalou road was brought to a standstill on Saturday afternoon after police fired in the air to disperse groups that had barricaded the highway.

A video verified by Citizen TV captured the moment a Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP)-branded lorry came under attack at Pembroke Bridge near Gilgil.

According to eyewitnesses, a black SUV heading to a political meeting in Chokereria area was involved in a road accident just as the DCP-branded lorry was passing through the area.

"We were going to rescue the injured victims when we were attacked by people armed with weapons and with their faces covered," said one eyewitness.

"You can see this man was injured on the arm while trying to protect his brother from being attacked," another eyewitness said.

Angry residents later barricaded the Gilgil–Ol Kalou road at Chokereria in protest over the attack by the armed hooded men.

Police from the nearby Ol Kalou Police Station fired warning shots into the air to disperse the protesters, as transport along the Gilgil–Ol Kalou road remained paralysed for several hours.

The confrontation quickly escalated into clashes between supporters of the DCP and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), with both sides hurling stones and wielding batons.

Journalists covering the incident were also caught up in the violence. Nakuru-based KTN cameraman Peter Kimani was reportedly assaulted by hooded men who had arrived in two vehicles, one of which had concealed registration plates.

Three people were injured during the incident.

"We do not want violence here in Gilgil. Let them take that violence to Ol Kalou. We are peaceful people, and they should not try to create conditions that could lead to the election being cancelled," said a resident.

Earlier in the day, The Service Party (TSP) leader Mwangi Kiunjuri, while addressing the media at Muiri Primary School, urged Ol Kalou residents to remain peaceful as campaigns enter their final stretch ahead of Monday's deadline.

"We call upon residents to remain calm and maintain peace," said Mwangi Kiunjuri.

Meanwhile, in Rurii Ward, Saboti MP Caleb Amisi campaigned for People's Renaissance Party candidate Timothy Kariuki and called on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to investigate allegations of voter bribery involving state officers and Kenya Kwanza-allied politicians.

"Incidents of voter bribery are still ongoing," said Amisi.

The violence comes less than 24 hours after Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat assured the IEBC of adequate security ahead of the Ol Kalou by-election.