Linda Mwananchi Drops Ol Kalou Campaign Tour Over Alleged Security Threats
Linda Mwananchi has changed its campaign plans ahead of the July 16 Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, citing security concerns and alleging there were plans to disrupt its activities in the constituency.
In a statement issued on Saturday, July 11, the movement said it had shelved its planned tour of Ol Kalou and would instead campaign in neighbouring Nyahururu. It said the decision was made to avoid any incidents that could interfere with the electoral process.
The movement claimed it had received information that groups had allegedly been mobilised from other counties to attack its campaign convoy during the planned tour of Ol Kalou.
According to Linda Mwananchi, the alleged attacks were intended to provoke confrontations that could later be used to justify heightened security measures and disrupt the by-election.
"Squads of goons have been mobilised from other counties and deployed to attack the Linda Mwananchi convoy during the Ol Kalou tour," part of the statement read.
The movement said it remained committed to ensuring the by-election proceeds as scheduled, adding that redirecting its campaign to Nyahururu was aimed at preventing any developments that could delay the exercise.
"As we believe that holding the by-election without any delay is the overwhelming desire of the people of Ol Kalou and Kenyans at large, Linda Mwananchi will instead tour Nyahururu," the statement added.
The group also called on residents of Ol Kalou to maintain peace, participate in the election peacefully and reject voter bribery. It further invoked the words of the late freedom fighter Dedan Kimathi, urging voters to remain steadfast in defending their democratic rights.
The development comes days after the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) expressed concern over rising insecurity in the constituency. The electoral commission warned that continued violence, voter bribery, destruction of campaign materials and the alleged use of hired gangs could force it to postpone or cancel the by-election if the security situation deteriorates.
