NYERI, Kenya- Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has renewed claims that there is a plot to disrupt the July 16 Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, alleging that leaders allied to the Kenya Kwanza administration are planning to deploy hired groups to cause violence during the poll.
Speaking on Saturday at his Wamunyoro residence during a meeting with leaders from Ol Jorok Constituency, Gachagua urged the National Police Service (NPS) to ensure adequate security and protect the integrity of the election.
The former deputy president specifically accused a section of Kenya Kwanza leaders, led by former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria, of planning to transport what he described as “goons” into Ol Kalou to interfere with the by-election. He did not provide evidence to support the allegations.
“DIG Lagat, if you are serious, order those police goons to leave Ol Kalou. Before DIG you can say there will be no goons; first deal with police goons in Ol Kalou, then we can trust you…” Gachagua remarked.
Gachagua appealed to the police to remain impartial and ensure that residents are able to vote without intimidation or violence.
His remarks come amid heightened political tension in Nyandarua County ahead of the by-election, which has evolved into a high-stakes contest between the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the opposition-backed Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP).
The latest claims follow a series of similar allegations by Gachagua over the past two weeks.
He has repeatedly accused senior government officials of attempting to disrupt DCP campaigns and influence the outcome of the mini poll, allegations that the government has denied.
“The people of Ol Kalou have an opportunity to restore the dignity of our community by showing that they cannot be bought,” he said, urging voters to reject bribery and handouts during the campaign period.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has previously dismissed the claims and urged politicians to campaign peacefully.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has also raised concern over rising political tensions in the constituency.
IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon warned that persistent violence, voter bribery, destruction of campaign materials and other violations of the Electoral Code of Conduct could force the commission to take action, including postponing the election if the integrity of the process is compromised.
The Ol Kalou parliamentary seat fell vacant following the death of MP David Kiaraho.
The by-election is scheduled for Thursday, July 16, with DCP’s Sammy Douglas Kamau Waweru-Ngotho facing UDA candidate Samuel Muchina Nyagah in what has become one of the country’s most closely watched political contests.