The violence and disorder witnessed during the Ol Kalou parliamentary by election, where masked groups moved through parts of the constituency in high end vehicles, confronting residents, journalists and political supporters while armed individuals were captured firing into the air and deploying tear gas, has placed renewed focus on the informal political networks that operate behind major electoral contests.
The chaos, which disrupted voting activities and triggered public outrage, has since raised questions over how such groups are assembled, who coordinates their movements and the role played by political operatives who often work closely with candidates and elected leaders during competitive political contests.
One of the individuals whose name has emerged in discussions around these networks is Karuma Muiruri, a man described by sources as a close aide and bodyguard to Kiambaa Member of Parliament John Njuguna Wanjiku, popularly known as Kawanjiku.
Muiruri, who is identified on Facebook as Karuma Muiruri, is said to come from Githiga area in Githunguri Sub-County, Kiambu County, and is reported to reside in Kirigiti near Linkers Club.
Sources familiar with the political activities around Kawanjiku describe him as a long-standing member of the lawmaker’s inner circle, with claims that he has been involved in coordinating supporters and mobilising political groups during various engagements.
His name has gained prominence following the events witnessed in Ol Kalou, where armed and hooded individuals were filmed moving through the constituency, confronting members of the public, attacking journalists and disrupting parts of the by-election exercise.
The scenes triggered widespread concern after videos showed groups of masked men carrying weapons, using tear gas canisters and moving in convoys of luxury vehicles. Some of the individuals appeared to have access to equipment associated with security agencies, raising questions over how the groups were organised and the identities of those involved.
Investigative reports following the chaos also drew attention to several vehicles captured at the scene, including a black Toyota Land Cruiser bearing registration number KDL 477Q, which records from the National Transport and Safety Authority linked to John Njuguna Wanjiku, the same name held by the Kiambaa MP.
Kawanjiku later confirmed that his vehicle was present in Ol Kalou on voting day but denied any involvement in the violence.
He said he travelled there in his capacity as an election agent and argued that anyone intending to participate in unlawful activity would not use an easily identifiable personal vehicle.
The MP’s explanation has not ended questions surrounding the wider network of individuals present during the disturbances, with investigators facing pressure to establish who coordinated the groups of masked men, how they moved around the constituency and whether any political actors facilitated their activities.
It is within this context that Muiruri’s name has emerged.
Sources who spoke to this publication claim that he has been involved in political mobilisation activities linked to Kawanjiku’s network, describing him as an organizer who helps coordinate supporters and groups during political events.
The claims place attention on the often overlooked role of political aides, personal security teams and grassroots mobilisers who operate around elected leaders, particularly during election seasons where mobilisation structures become critical in building political support.
Across Kenya’s political landscape, such networks have long played a central role in organising supporters, managing crowds and coordinating campaign activities.
However, questions have repeatedly emerged over where legitimate political mobilisation ends and where intimidation or unlawful activities begin.
The Ol Kalou disturbances have therefore expanded beyond the events of one by-election, creating renewed debate about accountability within political networks and the individuals who operate close to powerful figures.
As investigations into the violence continue, authorities are expected to establish the identities of those involved in the incidents, the organization behind the groups captured at the scene and whether any individuals or political structures played a role in facilitating the unrest.
"Hello Nyakundi. This is the official bodyguard of MP Kawanjiku. He is identified as Karuma Muiruri on Facebook. He is from Githiga Ward, Githunguri Sub-County, Kiambu County. He lives in Kirigiti, near Linkers Club, at Maranatha Apartments. This is the person responsible for recruiting and coordinating goons on behalf of Kawanjiku."
