Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has written to Inspector General (IG) Japheth Koome, demanding the immediate arrest of individuals allegedly planning to disrupt his campaigns in Mbeere North. The letter, issued on Wednesday, November 12, follows a viral video showing men making threats against Gachagua and his Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) ahead of the November 27 by-election.
In the statement, Gachagua identified the suspects, claiming they are connected to a local governor and have been hired to frustrate his campaign efforts. He urged the IG to act promptly, stating, “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.”
The former DP emphasized the importance of allowing Mbeere North residents to exercise their democratic right to vote freely. He warned that any negligence by the police in protecting his campaign could make them personally accountable before the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Gachagua is scheduled to tour Mbeere North from November 16 to November 24, campaigning for the united opposition candidate supported by his party. He maintained that the candidate remains the favourite to win the parliamentary seat, which became vacant after President William Ruto appointed former MP Geoffrey Ruku as Cabinet Secretary for Public Service.
The threats come amid claims by Chama Cha Kazi (CCK) Party leader Moses Kuria that there is a planned attack targeting Gachagua’s tour over an alleged Ksh10 million debt. Kuria alleged that some individuals affiliated with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party plan to impersonate CCK members to create chaos during the campaign.
Despite the tensions, Gachagua insisted his campaign would proceed as planned, underlining the opposition’s commitment to ensuring a fair and peaceful by-election in Mbeere North.
