By Doris Moraa | July 20, 2026
Nyandarua Senator John Methu has defended Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja over the violence witnessed during the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, claiming the unrest was not caused by the National Police Service but by a separate group of individuals allegedly operating outside the official police command structure.
Speaking after the by-election, Methu argued that the Inspector General had deployed adequate security personnel to safeguard the electoral process, insisting that the breakdown in law and order resulted from the actions of individuals who were not part of the regular police service.
According to the senator, approximately 1,000 uniformed police officers had been deployed across the constituency with clear instructions to provide security at polling stations, protect voters and ensure a peaceful election.
However, Methu alleged that another group of plainclothes individuals appeared at various polling centres and disrupted the voting process, creating confusion and violence.
The lawmaker claimed the individuals allegedly intimidated voters, interfered with election activities and even engaged in confrontations with uniformed police officers who were attempting to maintain order.
Methu further alleged that the group was operating independently of the Inspector General’s command and described the situation as evidence of a parallel security structure.
In his remarks, the senator directed blame at Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, alleging that the deployment of individuals outside the established police chain of command created unnecessary tension during the by-election.
He claimed such actions, if left unchecked, could undermine public confidence in the country’s security agencies and electoral processes ahead of the 2027 General Election.
According to Methu, security operations during elections should remain under the exclusive control of the National Police Service to guarantee professionalism, accountability and public trust.
The senator warned that the alleged involvement of unauthorized actors in security operations could set a dangerous precedent for future elections if appropriate action is not taken.
His remarks come amid growing debate over the security situation that characterized the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, where opposition leaders accused unidentified hooded individuals of intimidating voters and disrupting polling activities.
The allegations have drawn sharp criticism from civil society organizations, with Amnesty International Kenya calling for a thorough investigation into claims of voter intimidation, excessive use of force and alleged state-sponsored violence during the exercise.
The human rights organization has urged the Ministry of Interior and the National Police Service to ensure accountability for anyone found responsible for violating citizens’ constitutional rights during the election.
Meanwhile, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has launched investigations into the incidents reported during the by-election.
Detectives are expected to review video footage, interview witnesses and identify the hooded individuals captured at several polling stations.
The investigations will also seek to establish whether any political leaders or other individuals financed or coordinated the activities of the alleged groups.
The National Police Service has not publicly confirmed the existence of any parallel security operation during the by-election, while Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has yet to respond to the specific allegations made by Senator Methu.
Political analysts say the controversy surrounding the Ol Kalou by-election could have significant implications for the country’s electoral environment as political parties begin preparing for the 2027 General Election.
They argue that confidence in electoral security remains essential for safeguarding democratic processes and maintaining public trust in future elections.
The by-election, which was won by Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) candidate Sammy Douglas Waweru Kamau, popularly known as Sammy Ngotho, has continued to generate political debate beyond the declaration of results, with both security and governance issues remaining at the centre of public discussion.
As investigations continue, stakeholders have called for transparency and accountability to ensure that any individuals responsible for acts of violence or electoral misconduct are identified and prosecuted in accordance with the law, while also safeguarding the integrity of future elections.
