Karua condemns attack on Gachagua convoy in Nakuru

By Newsflash Writer

People Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has condemned an attack on vehicles in Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua’s convoy during his tour of Nakuru County on Friday, August 14, 2026.

Karua described the incident as a disturbing development, warning that violence, intimidation and destruction of property have no place in a democratic Kenya.

Gachagua and politicians allied to him were on a day-long tour of Nakuru County to popularise the DCP ahead of the 2027 General Election when some vehicles in his convoy were attacked by armed goons.

The former Deputy President began his tour by opening the DCP office in Naivasha before proceeding to Gilgil and Nakuru Town, where he addressed a series of rallies.

However, when the convoy reached Kaptembwa in Nakuru Town, a vehicle belonging to newly elected Ol Kalou MP Sammy Douglas Kamau was attacked and badly damaged.

Ol Kalou MP Sammy Douglas Kamau’s vehicle which was attacked and badly damaged in Kaptembwa, Nakuru. Photo/Sammy Douglas Kamau/Facebook

In a statement following the incident, Kamau said the attack would not deter him or his political allies from engaging with residents.

“No retreat no Surrender! My vehicle was attacked and badly damaged by state goons in Kaptembwa, Nakuru Town West, during our engagement with the people,” said Kamau.

“This was a deliberate act of intimidation, but let it be known that we will not be intimidated, silenced, or forced to retreat. Despite these attacks peaceful democratic engagement remains our focus,” he added.

Karua demands probe

In a statement issued hours after the incident, Karua strongly condemned what she termed reported acts of violence against the DCP convoy led by Gachagua and comprising party leaders, members and supporters.

“Political competition is a legitimate and constitutionally protected feature of our democracy. Violence, intimidation, destruction of property and the disruption of lawful political activity have no place in a democratic Kenya,” Karua said.

Ol Kalou MP Sammy Douglas Kamau besides his vehicle which was attacked and badly damaged in Kaptembwa, Nakuru. Photo/Sammy Douglas Kamau/Facebook

She said the circumstances surrounding the incident raised questions over whether the violence had been organised and deliberately orchestrated to disrupt opposition activities.

Karua noted that there were allegations that individuals associated with the broad-based government may have been involved, including claims concerning political actors in Nakuru.

She called for the allegations to be promptly, independently and impartially investigated, with anyone found culpable held personally accountable in accordance with the law.

Calls for accountability

Karua urged President William Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza administration to immediately end any political incitement, mobilisation or deployment of groups to intimidate or attack political opponents.

She also called on the Inspector-General of Police and the National Police Service to investigate the Nakuru violence and establish who planned, financed, facilitated and participated in the attacks.

The PLP leader further demanded the identification and arrest of all perpetrators regardless of their political connections or status.

She called for the preservation and examination of CCTV footage, photographs, videos and other recordings that could assist investigators in establishing what happened.

Karua also urged the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights and other relevant constitutional institutions to independently scrutinise the conduct of security agencies before, during and after the incident.

She warned against normalising political violence and urged leaders across the political divide to exercise restraint and reject incitement, retaliation and vigilantism.

“The answer to political violence cannot be more political violence,” Karua said.

She maintained that political disagreements should not be settled through violence, destruction of property or abuse of State power, insisting that Kenya must remain a country where citizens can freely express dissent and participate in political activities.

“Let us stand together for Kenya. Let us defend the Constitution. Let us defend the right to dissent. Let us reject political violence and impunity,” she said.