Former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has stepped forward to advocate for the United Opposition, countering allegations that they orchestrated the violence during the Linda Mwananchi rally in Nyahururu town.
In a statement shared on his social media platforms on Sunday, July 12, 2026, Kuria, who is currently spearheading campaigns for United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Samuel Muchina in the Ol Kalou by-election, took a stand by defending the United Opposition.
“I can confirm that the violence against Linda Mwananchi in Nyahururu was NOT planned by the opposition. The TRUTH shall set us FREE,” Kuria emphasized.
Kuria firmly dismissed claims that leaders affiliated with the United Opposition instigated the attacks on their Linda Mwananchi counterparts. However, he did not specify those responsible for the violence or clarify any connections to the government or other groups.
The attack on Linda Mwananchi has raised concerns, particularly as speculation suggests it may stem from internal conflicts within the opposition. These claims gained momentum after former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua urged the Linda Mwananchi team to refrain from campaigning in the area, suggesting that local leaders should handle the politically charged atmosphere surrounding the Ol Kalou by-election.
Nonetheless, Kuria rejected this narrative, asserting that the United Opposition bore no responsibility for the attacks.
The violence erupted after the Linda Mwananchi team, led by Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata and movement spokesperson Caroli Omondi, held a rally in Nyahururu. Notably, principal leaders Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Siaya Governor James Orengo were absent, having chosen to attend a church service in Kisumu instead.
Governor Kang’ata reported that their convoy came under attack, resulting in his driver sustaining a gunshot wound to the chest. Emergency services transported the driver to the hospital for treatment, while several vehicles suffered damage, prompting the movement to halt its activities in the area before later addressing the media.
In a related incident, Sifuna and Orengo faced disruption in Kisumu, where they attended a service at ACK St Andrew’s Church. Suspected assailants attempted to interrupt the service, but police intervened to disperse the group. Following this, another faction, believed to support Sifuna and Orengo, set fire to several motorcycles belonging to the attackers.
