Murang’a Governor Candidate Nyakera Chides Police For Inaction Weeks After Vehicles Were Destroyed

Irungu Nyakera, Murang’a gubernatorial candidate, has accused security agents of laxity for failing to apprehend one of the criminals responsible for the turmoil that left his supporters injured and their vehicles wrecked.

Nyakera stated that the suspect was arrested and freed on a Ksh100,000 bond.

This he said after presenting his papers for clearance at the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission’s (IEBC) office.

The Farmers Party leader added that despite police warnings, he has seen the suspect walk freely.

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“Unless there is something they are not telling us, I don’t understand how police cannot trace someone who is walking freely in town.

“Whatever happened was wrong and we cannot let the suspects go unpunished. They must face the law and serve as an example to others who might think of doing such a thing” he said.

The gubernatorial candidate also promised to look into the incident and make sure the perpetrator is apprehended.

Nyakera who was in the company of his running mate Catherine Mugo, urged candidates to keep their campaigns peaceful.

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He also assured locals that they have a plan for the people of Murang’a.

“We are happy to have been cleared to vie for the seat and we have been issued with a certificate as an assurance we shall be on the ballot paper come August 9. We have an agenda for the people of Murang’a and we shall deliver all the promises we are making in our campaigns,” he stated.

In May, a scuffle erupted after Nyakera’s supporters bumped into those of his opponent, Wairagu wa Maai.

Nyakera claimed his followers were on a meet-the-people tour in Gaturi ward when they collided with Wairagu’s in Kaweru, resulting in a confrontation.

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He claimed that Wairagu supporters shattered his vehicles’ windscreens and attacked his supporters with machetes.

“As a result, few people were injured and they were taken to hospital for treatment and they have also recorded a statement with the police,” he said.

“This was my last ward to tour after visiting all 34 wards in the county,” Nyakera said.

“The two teams met at Mahuaini and agreed that they will follow different paths but this was not the case,” he added.

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Wairagu’s campaign strategist Murathi Magochi, however, blamed Nyakera for the event, alleging that the visit in the area had been arranged a week prior.

“We had followed the due process in planning for the tour and had notified police but Nyakera decided to follow us on the same route,” he said.

“We cannot take responsibility for what happened yesterday because it was not our fault,” he added.