United Opposition leaders condemn political violence, warn IEBC ahead of Ol Kalou by-election

Speaking at a joint address, People's Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua said the scenes should concern every Kenyan. "They point to a dangerous pattern that challenges our unity and the rule of law. Political intolerance is slowly taking over, and goons are being used to target opposition leaders," she said.

Former Attorney General JB Muturi said the attacks were part of a recurring trend that police had failed to address.

"This is not the first time we have witnessed violence targeting the opposition. The police have failed to act, and this raises serious questions about whether they are serving all Kenyans. Once violence becomes political, no Kenyan is safe," he said.

Muturi laid the blame on President William Ruto's administration, accusing the Interior Cabinet Secretary and Principal Secretary of partisan politics.

He urged officers being deployed to Ol Kalou to remain professional and impartial.

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka called for restraint from all sides and an end to what he termed state-sponsored political violence. He questioned the deployment of 1,000 police officers to Ol Kalou by Inspector General Douglas Kanja.

"We hope this is not part of a plan to repeat what happened in Mbeere and Malava," he said, before turning to the electoral commission. "IEBC, we are watching you. If you bungle the Ol Kalou by-election, Kenyans will have no reason to hold the Commission in high esteem."

Kalonzo said the July poll would be a test case for the 2027 General Election, urging Ruto to prepare to accept defeat.

He also dismissed recent Infotrak opinion polls as "cooked" and intended to divide the opposition, insisting the united opposition remained intact under the Linda Mtetezi coalition.

Muturi raised further concern over reported State House invitation cards issued to some Ol Kalou residents, terming it a possible election offence. "If it happens, this is the highest level of bribery. The IEBC should camp at the gates of State House," he said.