A bodyguard and driver attached to Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata was shot in the chest during the Linda Mwananchi tour in Nyandarua and Laikipia counties on Sunday, in an incident that has heightened political tensions ahead of the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election.
Governor Kang’ata identified the injured officer as Gitari, alleging that he was shot during a confrontation involving police after the delegation was attacked by individuals he described as goons.
Addressing journalists after the incident, Kang’ata claimed the group had first been stoned while attending a service at an AIPCA church before the shooting occurred.
“Today, we were first stoned by goons while we were at the AIPCA church, and my driver was injured after being shot in the chest by the police. We came in peace, but what we got in return was being stoned,” the governor said.
The governor said the bullet remains lodged in Gitari’s chest, adding that doctors were yet to determine whether it was a live bullet or a rubber bullet.
“We are yet to ascertain whether it is a live bullet or a rubber bullet. He is completely immobilised,” Kang’ata said.
Kang’ata further alleged that his official vehicle was blocked and temporarily seized by individuals in Laikipia during the tour.
No official statement had been issued by the National Police Service at the time of publication regarding the governor’s allegations or the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
The incident comes just days before the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election scheduled for Thursday, a contest that has intensified political activity in Nyandarua County and drawn the attention of leaders from across the political divide.
Authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting and the alleged attacks reported during the tour.
