Gachagua Writes to IG Kanja Over Explosive Plot to Disrupt By-Election Tour in Mbeere North
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has broken his silence on alleged threats targeting him ahead of his planned campaign tour in Mbeere North, calling on the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, to take immediate action.
In a scathing letter released on Wednesday, November 12, Gachagua accused a group of individuals of making explicit threats against him and his Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) ahead of the November 27 by-elections. He claimed the individuals, whose video threatening him went viral on social media earlier this week, were linked to a local governor and were allegedly hired to disrupt his campaign.
“Despite the evidence and information in your custody, the above persons have not been arraigned. We demand that ahead of the by-elections, the above persons must be arrested immediately, arraigned, and charged under the Penal Code,” Gachagua wrote in the letter. “We further demand that the people of Mbeere North be allowed to exercise their democratic right to vote a candidate of their choice; no one shall be allowed to force a candidate on the people.”
Gachagua is scheduled to tour Mbeere North from November 16 to November 24 to campaign for the opposition candidate endorsed by his party. The video that sparked his response features a man suggesting that the former DP would face hostility during his visit, raising concerns over potential violence.
The former DP also criticized police for allegedly turning a blind eye to past threats and unrest whenever he has campaigned in the region. He warned that continued negligence could have serious consequences under both domestic and international law.
“On the above account and given the trajectory of continued irresponsibility, omissions, and commissions in the performance of your duties under the Constitution of Kenya (2010), and other international law, you will be held personally responsible before the International Criminal Court – ICC,” Gachagua stated.
The Mbeere North parliamentary seat fell vacant following President William Ruto’s appointment of former MP Geoffrey Ruku as Cabinet Secretary for Public Service. In September, Gachagua’s DCP opted not to field a candidate, instead supporting the Democratic Party, which is associated with former Public Service CS Justin Muturi, in a move to consolidate opposition unity.
Gachagua reaffirmed his commitment to the campaign tour, insisting that the opposition-backed candidate remains the frontrunner. “Take note that I will be in Mbeere North Constituency from November 16 to November 24 to campaign for the candidate of my choice in full exercise of my constitutional rights,” he said.
Adding to the tension, Chama Cha Kazi (CCK) Party Leader Moses Kuria also raised alarms on Tuesday, alleging a planned attack on Gachagua’s campaign. Kuria claimed that individuals linked to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party intended to pose as CCK members to create chaos during the tour, citing a purported Ksh10 million debt as the motive.
The unfolding situation underscores growing political tensions in Mbeere North as candidates and parties prepare for the closely watched by-election.
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Gachagua Writes to IG Kanja Over Explosive Plot to Disrupt By-Election Tour in Mbeere North