Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused state-linked operatives of plotting to disrupt his upcoming political tour in Mbeere North, Embu County, claiming that hired goons have been mobilized to attack him and frustrate his campaigns.
In a strongly worded letter addressed to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja on Wednesday, November 12, Gachagua alleged that a coordinated plan was underway to provoke violence and intimidate his supporters ahead of the November 27 Mbeere North parliamentary by-election.
The former Deputy President demanded that police immediately arrest a group of men captured in a viral video issuing threats against him and his Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP). He claimed the individuals were connected to a local governor allied to the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party.
“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 said in the letter.
Viral threats
The threats emerged earlier this week when a video circulated on social media showing a group of men openly vowing to block Gachagua’s entry into Mbeere North. In the footage, one of the individuals could be heard threatening that the former Deputy President would face hostility if he attempted to campaign for the opposition’s preferred candidate.
Gachagua is scheduled to tour the constituency from November 16 to November 24, ahead of the by-election triggered by the appointment of former area MP Geoffrey Ruku as Cabinet Secretary for Public Service.
The former Deputy President expressed outrage that police had not acted on the threats despite clear evidence of criminal intent. He accused the authorities of selective enforcement and complicity in what he termed “a wider state-sponsored scheme” to silence him and derail the opposition’s momentum.
“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),” he warned the Inspector General.
Gachagua’s rift with State
Gachagua’s letter marks his latest confrontation with government agencies amid widening cracks within the Kenya Kwanza coalition. Since his fallout with President William Ruto earlier this year, Gachagua has positioned himself as a leading voice in what he calls a “citizens’ opposition” movement.
His DCP outfit has in recent months worked to consolidate anti-establishment forces, particularly in Mt. Kenya, where political allegiances have been shifting rapidly. In September, Gachagua announced that his party would not field a candidate in the Mbeere North by-election, opting instead to support the Democratic Party (DP) associated with former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi.
“We further demand that the people of Mbeere North be allowed to exercise their democratic right to vote for a candidate of their choice. No one shall be allowed to impose a candidate on the people,” Gachagua emphasized.
He maintained that his planned tour of Mbeere North would proceed as scheduled, adding that intimidation tactics would not deter him. “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.
Kuria ehoes threat claims
Gachagua’s claims were echoed by Chama Cha Kazi (CCK) Party Leader Moses Kuria, who on Tuesday alleged that a faction of UDA insiders was planning to stage-manage chaos during the former DP’s visit. Kuria claimed that some individuals intended to disguise themselves as CCK supporters to disrupt the event over an alleged KSh10 million debt dispute.
“There is a planned attack targeting Rigathi Gachagua’s campaign tour. Certain individuals affiliated with the UDA are planning to pose as CCK members and cause chaos,” Kuria stated in a brief message shared on social media.
Kuria’s remarks have further fueled speculation about intensifying hostilities within the ruling coalition, with some leaders accusing state machinery of being deployed to weaken dissenting voices ahead of key by-elections.
The Mbeere North contest has become a political flashpoint as rival factions jostle for dominance in Mt. Kenya politics. Analysts view the race as a litmus test for Gachagua’s influence in the region and a measure of the opposition’s ability to challenge the UDA’s grip.
Security agencies are now under pressure to respond to Gachagua’s letter and assure all candidates of equal protection. However, by Wednesday evening, the National Police Service had not issued an official response to the former Deputy President’s allegations.
As Gachagua prepares to return to the campaign trail this weekend, questions linger over whether his fears will prompt increased security or further political confrontation in the increasingly volatile Mbeere North constituency.
