The governor made the announcement on Sunday through his official social media account, identifying the driver only as Gitari. Kang'ata did not immediately provide details about the circumstances surrounding the shooting or the driver's condition, but his statement quickly attracted widespread attention as reports of unrest emerged from the opposition gathering.
"My driver Gitari has been shot during the Linda Mwananchi rally," Kang'ata wrote in a brief post.
The alleged shooting occurred as opposition leaders were conducting political activities in Nyahururu after attending a church service at AIPCA Nyahururu Cathedral. The leaders later proceeded with plans to engage residents before violence reportedly disrupted the day's programme.
Among those accompanying Kang'ata were Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, Kitutu Chache North MP Anthony Kibagendi and Linda Mwananchi spokesperson Caroli Omondi.
The delegation had organised a series of activities, including a town procession and a public rally aimed at mobilising support ahead of the upcoming by-election.
Witnesses reported heightened tension around the venue before chaos erupted, forcing some participants to flee. While claims of gunfire and violence circulated online, authorities had not immediately issued an official statement confirming the shooting or explaining what triggered the confrontation.
The incident comes after days of heightened political tension surrounding campaigns linked to the Ol Kalou parliamentary race. Leaders from different political camps have repeatedly exchanged accusations over alleged attempts to disrupt each other's meetings.
Earlier in the week, Kang'ata announced changes to the Linda Mwananchi campaign schedule, saying the team would suspend its planned visit to Ol Kalou due to security concerns. Instead, the coalition limited its activities to Nyahururu in an effort to avoid possible confrontations.
According to the governor, the revised programme was intended to reduce tensions while allowing leaders to continue engaging supporters peacefully.
The latest incident follows another claim made by Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua, who alleged that one of his campaign trucks was attacked and vandalised in Gilgil, Nakuru County, while heading to a political event linked to the Ol Kalou by-election. The reported attack further highlighted growing concerns over security during the campaign period.
Sunday's unrest was not limited to Nyahururu. In Kisumu, Siaya Governor James Orengo and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna also reported disruptions during their political engagements after attending a church service. Videos shared online showed several motorbikes engulfed in flames following confrontations involving groups linked to the day's activities.
The parallel incidents in Nyahururu and Kisumu have intensified debate over political intolerance as leaders continue mobilising supporters across the country.
The reported shooting also comes just days after another violent incident involving Linda Mwananchi supporters in Kisii County. Coalition leaders claimed that a supporter identified as Vincent Oscemo, popularly known as Mapinduzi, died after suffering injuries during an attack on the movement's convoy in Keumbu.
According to Kitutu Masaba MP Clive Gisairo, the convoy was allegedly stoned by suspected attackers while travelling from Kisii Town toward Keroka.
Witnesses reported heightened tension around the venue before chaos erupted, forcing some participants to flee. While claims of gunfire and violence circulated online, authorities had not immediately issued an official statement confirming the shooting or explaining what triggered the confrontation.
The incident comes after days of heightened political tension surrounding campaigns linked to the Ol Kalou parliamentary race. Leaders from different political camps have repeatedly exchanged accusations over alleged attempts to disrupt each other's meetings.
Earlier in the week, Kang'ata announced changes to the Linda Mwananchi campaign schedule, saying the team would suspend its planned visit to Ol Kalou due to security concerns. Instead, the coalition limited its activities to Nyahururu in an effort to avoid possible confrontations.
According to the governor, the revised programme was intended to reduce tensions while allowing leaders to continue engaging supporters peacefully.
The latest incident follows another claim made by Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua, who alleged that one of his campaign trucks was attacked and vandalised in Gilgil, Nakuru County, while heading to a political event linked to the Ol Kalou by-election. The reported attack further highlighted growing concerns over security during the campaign period.
Sunday's unrest was not limited to Nyahururu. In Kisumu, Siaya Governor James Orengo and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna also reported disruptions during their political engagements after attending a church service. Videos shared online showed several motorbikes engulfed in flames following confrontations involving groups linked to the day's activities.
The parallel incidents in Nyahururu and Kisumu have intensified debate over political intolerance as leaders continue mobilising supporters across the country.
The reported shooting also comes just days after another violent incident involving Linda Mwananchi supporters in Kisii County. Coalition leaders claimed that a supporter identified as Vincent Oscemo, popularly known as Mapinduzi, died after suffering injuries during an attack on the movement's convoy in Keumbu.
According to Kitutu Masaba MP Clive Gisairo, the convoy was allegedly stoned by suspected attackers while travelling from Kisii Town toward Keroka.
He said more than 20 other supporters sustained injuries during the confrontation. Police later launched investigations into the incident, although authorities had not officially confirmed the reported death when political leaders made the claims.
With political temperatures continuing to rise, leaders from across the political divide have renewed calls for peaceful campaigns and restraint among supporters. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has also urged candidates and their followers to respect electoral laws and avoid actions that could trigger violence.
With political temperatures continuing to rise, leaders from across the political divide have renewed calls for peaceful campaigns and restraint among supporters. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has also urged candidates and their followers to respect electoral laws and avoid actions that could trigger violence.
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