By ALFRED MATAZA, July 16, 2026
United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Samuel Muchina has formally reported the torching of his campaign vehicle to the police following an alleged arson attack that occurred just hours before the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election.
Muchina described the incident as a deliberate act of political intimidation intended to instill fear among his supporters and disrupt the electoral process on the eve of the vote.
Nyandarua County police have launched investigations into the incident and are pursuing those responsible. Security agencies have begun collecting evidence from the scene, including witness statements and forensic material, as detectives work to establish the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Despite the incident, Muchina appealed for calm, urging his supporters and residents of Ol Kalou to turn out in large numbers and vote peacefully.
He said acts of violence should not undermine the democratic process, adding that he remains committed to a peaceful election and is prepared to accept the outcome of the by-election.
The Ol Kalou parliamentary seat fell vacant following the death of the area’s Member of Parliament, prompting a closely watched contest involving several political parties.
Following the attack, security was heightened across the constituency, with police officers deployed to polling stations, tallying centres and other strategic locations
