The violence that disrupted the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election has placed fresh focus on individuals linked to political mobilization networks, with attention now turning to Karuma Muiruri, a man described by sources as a close aide and bodyguard to Kiambaa MP John Njuguna Wanjiku, popularly known as Kawanjiku.
His name has surfaced as investigators seek to establish who coordinated groups of masked men that caused chaos during the poll.
Reports from election observers, human rights groups, and media outlets documented armed and hooded individuals moving through the constituency, confronting residents, journalists, and political supporters while firing into the air and deploying tear gas.
According to sources familiar with political activities around the Kiambaa MP, Muiruri is a long-serving member of Kawanjiku’s inner circle and has allegedly been involved in mobilizing supporters and coordinating political groups during various engagements.
Sources claim he comes from Githiga in Githunguri Sub-County, Kiambu County, and resides in the Kirigiti area near Linkers Club.His name gained attention after allegations emerged linking him to the recruitment and coordination of groups that were present during the Ol Kalou disturbances.
A message shared with blogger Cyprian Nyakundi identified Muiruri as the MP’s bodyguard and alleged that he was responsible for organizing individuals who took part in activities that disrupted the by-election.
However, these allegations remain unproven and no court has found him guilty of any offence.
The focus on Muiruri comes amid wider investigations into the violence that shocked the constituency on voting day. Videos widely shared online showed masked men travelling in convoys of luxury vehicles, some carrying weapons and others deploying tear gas near polling centres.
Journalists and residents reported being confronted and attacked as panic spread across parts of the constituency. Investigations have also examined vehicles seen at the scene.
Among those mentioned was a black Toyota Land Cruiser bearing registration number KDL 477Q, reportedly linked through registration records to John Njuguna Wanjiku.
The MP later confirmed that the vehicle was in Ol Kalou during the by-election but denied any involvement in violence or criminal activity.
He stated that he had travelled to the constituency as an election agent and argued that anyone planning unlawful activities would not use a vehicle that could easily be traced back to them. Reports have nevertheless continued to raise questions about the movement of vehicles and individuals captured during the unrest.
The developments have reignited debate about the role of political aides, bodyguards, and grassroots mobilizers during election campaigns.
While such individuals often help organize supporters and coordinate campaign activities, the events in Ol Kalou have intensified calls for accountability and transparency whenever allegations of intimidation or violence arise.
Authorities are under pressure to identify those responsible for the violence, establish how the groups were organized, and determine whether any political actors or structures facilitated the unrest that disrupted the by-election.
