NAIROBI, Kenya – The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) has issued fresh allegations of planned electoral violence, intimidation, and vote-rigging ahead of the November 27 Narok Town Ward by-election, accusing senior police officers and political actors of orchestrating a coordinated assault on democracy.
In two separate letters to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon, DCP Party Leader Rigathi Gachagua alleged that uniformed police, plain-clothes officers and state-sponsored militia violently disrupted his campaign meeting in Narok on November 24, injuring supporters, women, children, and traders.
Gachagua claimed that officers mounted roadblocks to prevent him from accessing the town, and later stormed the rally while “guarding and escorting” groups armed with clubs, whips, and machetes.
“They lobbed teargas and fired live ammunition at anyone and everyone,” he wrote, accusing the police command of abdicating responsibility and enabling violence that he says was politically sanctioned.
The former Deputy President further alleged that two police officers attached to Murang’a Woman Representative Betty Maina were seen directing senior police officers in Narok, claiming the same officers were involved in separate incidents of violence in Murang’a in July and November.
Claims of a Vote-Rigging Scheme
DCP’s letter to the IEBC warned of what it described as an elaborate plan to rig the by-election by intimidating DCP polling agents and denying the party access to polling stations and the tallying centre.
Gachagua alleged that intelligence reports indicated plans to fully occupy polling stations with “goons” to prevent voters perceived to support the DCP candidate, Douglas Masikonde, from casting ballots.
He further claimed that the Returning Officer would be pressured to declare the UDA candidate the winner.
“This is the exact playbook that is being planned, with potential ethnic violence reminiscent of the 1992 Narok clashes,” he warned, urging IEBC to guarantee fairness, security, and unrestricted access for all candidates.
To the @IEBCKenya Chairperson, Mr. Ethekon,It is upon you and your commission to get the trust of the people of Kenya; your credibility is on the line ahead of the 2027 General Elections.The Narok Town Violence ahead of the 27th November 2025 by-election is within your
Gachagua said the credibility of the police service and the electoral commission is “on the line” ahead of the 2027 general election.
He demanded the immediate withdrawal of the two police officers he accuses of directing violence, and asked the IG to resign if he is not in control of the service.
