Linda Mwananchi alleges plot to disrupt Ol Kalou campaign

Linda Mwananchi has said it changed its campaign plans ahead of the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, alleging there were plans to target its team with violence during engagements in the constituency.

In a press statement issued on Saturday, July 11, 2026, the movement said it had decided to tour Nyahururu instead, adding that the move was intended to avoid what it described as efforts to create conditions that could disrupt the by-election.

The statement came after concerns over security in Ol Kalou, where the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) warned that continued violence and breaches of the electoral code of conduct could affect the July 16 by-election.

According to the statement, Linda Mwananchi alleged that the plan involved attacks on its campaign convoy during its tour of the constituency.

"...squads...goons have been mobilised from (other counties), and deployed to attack the Linda Mwananchi convoy along the trail during Ol Kalou tour," the faction claimed

The statement further alleged, "The strategy is to use Linda Mwananchi's acts of self-defence against violent attacks as the excuse to declare a state of siege..."

Linda Mwananchi said it had opted to redirect its campaign to Nyahururu because it believed doing so would prevent what it described as attempts to interfere with the election timetable.

"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 tomorrow," the statement said.

The movement also appealed to residents of Ol Kalou to participate peacefully in the electoral process and resist voter bribery.

Quoting the late Field Marshal Dedan Kimathi, it urged residents to "live the words and spirit of the great Field Marshal Dedan Kimathi - 'It is better to die while standing than to live on your knees.'"

The statement follows remarks by the electoral commission warning that persistent insecurity, violence, voter bribery, destruction of campaign materials and the alleged use of hired gangs could force it to postpone or cancel the Ol Kalou by-election if conditions are found to be unsuitable for voting.