DCI launches probe into Ol Kalou by-election violence

Hooded men riding in SUVs seen during the Ol Kalou by-election, where they were captured in viral videos firing weapons./SCREENGRAB

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has launched investigations into the violence and disruption that marred the Ol Kalou by-election, including reports of armed and hooded individuals who allegedly took part in the chaos.

The agency says detectives are pursuing all credible leads as they seek to identify and arrest those behind the incidents, warning that everyone involved will face the full force of the law.

In a statement on Sunday night, the DCI said investigators are carrying out forensic examinations, analysing digital evidence, interviewing witnesses and pursuing other investigative leads to establish the identities of the suspects.

"Detectives are actively pursuing all credible leads through forensic examination of available evidence, analysis of digital material, witness interviews and other investigative processes to identify and apprehend those responsible," the DCI said.

The directorate warned that those found to have planned, financed, incited or directly participated in the violence would be prosecuted regardless of their political affiliation or social status.

"All persons found to have planned, financed, incited or participated in the criminal acts will be brought to justice. No individual will be exempt from the due process of the law on account of status, position or political affiliation," the statement said.

The DCI has appealed to members of the public with information that could assist the investigations to share it confidentially through the #FichuaKwaDCI toll-free line 0800 722 203 or via WhatsApp on 0709 570 000.

The agency said it will continue providing updates as the investigations progress.

The directorate added that it is working closely with other agencies under the National Police Service and relevant institutions to prevent electoral violence, safeguard the integrity of the electoral process and ensure all criminal acts committed during elections are thoroughly investigated and prosecuted.

"In collaboration with sister services in the National Police Service and other relevant institutions, the Directorate remains steadfast in preventing electoral violence, safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process and ensuring that all acts of criminality are investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law," the statement said.  

Fear gripped Ol Kalou town on Thursday last week after armed, hooded men driving several sport utility vehicles (SUVs) moved through the streets, fired shots into the air and patrolled areas near polling stations as voting in the parliamentary by-election descended into chaos.

The unrest came after voting had largely proceeded peacefully throughout the morning before the situation changed in the afternoon.

Videos seen by the Star show hooded men armed with guns and rungus moving around the town as residents scattered for safety.

In one clip, a hooded man carrying a long rungu is seen dispersing people before boarding a moving SUV alongside another masked individual.

Another video shows a man standing on top of an SUV firing towards a crowd, while another person appears to fire from the rear window of the same vehicle as it moved through the area.

The scenes sparked panic among residents, some of whom hid while recording the unfolding events. Voices captured in the videos urged those around them to remain silent and avoid drawing attention.

"Keep quiet, don't move; they will beat us with stones," a woman is heard saying in Kikuyu.

Another voice says, "Nyamaza, usitoke na unyamaze, usiende mahali," as another woman urges those around her to leave the area.

In another scene, several men are seen running while carrying firearms as residents flee in different directions.