By Alfred Mataza | July 22, 2026
A joint funeral service for James Muigai Mwathi and Zachariah Gakinya Mukora is underway at the Ol Kalou Arboretum in Nyandarua County, as family members, political leaders and residents gather to pay their final respects to the two men who lost their lives following violence during the recent Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election.
The ceremony has drawn hundreds of mourners, with speakers calling for justice and demanding thorough investigations into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
James Muigai Mwathi, a resident of Kaimbaga Ward, reportedly succumbed to injuries after he was allegedly assaulted near Mumbi Primary School Polling Centre during the by-election.
The second victim, Zachariah Gakinya Mukora, a truck driver from Rurii Ward, had travelled home to participate in the election before he was reportedly attacked near the Huho-ini Polling Station.
Reports from local leaders indicate that more than 20 other residents sustained injuries during the election-related violence, with several requiring treatment for gunshot wounds and other serious injuries.
The funeral service has attracted prominent political leaders, including Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua, Nyandarua Governor Kiarie Badilisha and Nyandarua Senator John Methu, among other elected leaders and community representatives.
Addressing mourners, leaders condemned the violence witnessed during the by-election and called on investigative agencies to establish the circumstances that led to the deaths and injuries.
Several speakers urged the government to ensure those responsible are held accountable, arguing that every Kenyan has the constitutional right to participate in elections without fear of violence or intimidation.
Human rights groups have also renewed calls for independent investigations into allegations of excessive use of force and brutality during the by-election, insisting that victims and their families deserve justice.
The Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election was conducted following the death of the area’s former Member of Parliament, David Kiaraho, and was marked by heightened political competition and reports of violent confrontations in some polling centres.
As the funeral service continued, mourners observed moments of silence in honour of the deceased, while religious leaders called for peace, reconciliation and respect for the rule of law during future electoral processes.
The deaths of James Muigai Mwathi and Zachariah Gakinya Mukora have intensified the national conversation on election-related violence, with political leaders and civil society organizations urging authorities to strengthen measures aimed at protecting voters and preserving peace during elections.
