Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has formally written to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja over alleged threats targeting him ahead of his campaign tour in Mbeere North.
In a letter sent on Wednesday, November 12, Gachagua demanded that police arrest a group of individuals whose video threatening him went viral on social media two days earlier. He claimed the suspects were connected to a local governor and were allegedly hired to disrupt his campaigns in the constituency.
“Despite the evidence and information in your custody, the above persons have not been arraigned. We demand that, ahead of the by-elections, these individuals be arrested immediately, arraigned, and charged under the Penal Code,” Gachagua stated.
The former DP emphasized that the people of Mbeere North must be allowed to exercise their democratic right to vote freely.
“No one shall be allowed to force a candidate on the people,” he added.
Threat Video Sparks Concern
The threats emerged in a video suggesting that Gachagua would face hostility during his campaign for the United Opposition candidate, ahead of the November 27 by-election. In the clip, a man implied that Gachagua’s visit would be met with aggression.
Gachagua criticized the police for alleged inaction despite prior incidents of unrest during his appearances, warning that negligence could hold officials personally accountable under both Kenya’s Constitution (2010) and international law, including the International Criminal Court (ICC).
By-Election Context
The Mbeere North parliamentary seat became vacant after President William Ruto appointed the former MP, Geoffrey Ruku, as Cabinet Secretary for Public Service.
In September, Gachagua’s Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) declared it would not field a candidate, instead backing the Democratic Party, aligned with former Public Service CS Justin Muturi. Gachagua reaffirmed his support for the opposition candidate and confirmed his campaign tour schedule:
“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.
Additional Allegations
On Tuesday, Chama Cha Kazi (CCK) Party Leader Moses Kuria also claimed there were plans to disrupt Gachagua’s campaign, allegedly over a Ksh 10 million debt dispute.
Kuria suggested that UDA-affiliated individuals might pose as CCK members to create chaos during the event.
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Politics