The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has dismissed former Vice President Rigathi Gachagua’s claims of planned state-sponsored violence ahead of the Mbeere North by-election, calling them a “cynical ploy” to gain sympathy.
UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar issued a stern response to Gachagua, who also leads the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP). Omar described the allegations as “wild” and said the peace-loving residents of Mbeere North are focused on development and transformative government programs, not political violence.
“Contrary to your allegations, the people of Mbeere North have no intention of harming you. Your current outburst is recognized for what it is: an attempt to dramatize the by-election campaigns,” Omar stated.
Gachagua’s concerns stem from a widely circulated social media video, in which he alleges that certain individuals warned him against visiting the constituency from November 16. He claimed these individuals are well-known, though UDA dismissed the claims as imaginary.
Omar also criticized Gachagua for seeking action against UDA candidate Leo Muthende, emphasizing that the party has conducted its campaigns peacefully since the parliamentary seat fell vacant. “For avoidance of doubt, UDA does not condone any form of violence. Campaigns have proceeded in absolute tranquility and decorum, with zero incidents reported,” he said.
Gachagua’s letter, dated November 12, 2025, was addressed to Inspector General Douglas Kanja and copied to key authorities including the National Intelligence Service, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR). In the letter, he urged authorities to guarantee security ahead of the November 27 by-election, which he plans to campaign for from November 16 to 24 in support of DCP candidate Newton Karish.
The Mbeere North parliamentary seat became vacant after Godfrey Ruku was appointed to President William Ruto’s Cabinet, setting the stage for the tightly contested by-election.
