NAIROBI, Kenya- The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) has condemned a politically charged attack on one of its campaign billboards in Nairobi’s Kayole area, terming it an attempt to intimidate its supporters and suppress legitimate political expression.
In a statement issued by Irungu Nyakera, the party’s Patron in Nairobi, DCP detailed a coordinated attack that occurred on the night of May 16, 2025, at a private building near Kayole Junction, where a newly installed billboard bearing the party’s message and leadership had been erected.
According to Nyakera, a group of hired goons first tried to access the premises in the evening but were repelled by security guards.
However, at around midnight, a second group—reportedly dressed in police uniforms and carrying walkie-talkies—returned.
They jumped the gate, overpowered the guards, accessed the fourth floor of the building, and tore down the billboard.
Witnesses reported hearing the attackers say, “Hao watu wako hapo wanapinga serikali,”—a statement DCP says underscores the politically motivated nature of the act.
“These cowardly and criminal acts strike at the core of our democratic ideals—freedom of expression, freedom of association, and the fundamental right of all Kenyans to participate in the political process without fear or coercion,” said Nyakera.
The incident was reported at Kariobangi Police Station, but instead of receiving protection, Nyakera says party members were met with intimidation and bias from police officers.
One officer allegedly asked, “Wewe ndio umeweka hile picha kubwa ya Wamunyoro na Nyakera?”—referring to the prominent party figures featured on the billboard.
Such remarks, Nyakera noted, point to a disturbing and systemic pattern of state-enabled harassment targeting opposition voices.
“This is not only unacceptable—it is unconstitutional,” he said.
Nyakera has called on the Inspector General of Police and oversight bodies such as the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to investigate the incident thoroughly and bring the perpetrators to justice, including any law enforcement officers who may have aided or abetted the attack.
“The use of intimidation, political violence, and abuse of authority has no place in a just society,” he emphasized.
“Kenya must remain a nation where democratic freedoms are upheld in both word and practice.”
