NAIROBI, Kenya- Former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has said he will not contest for any elective position, days after the humiliating defeat of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election.
In a statement directed at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Kuria said he had decided not to seek any seat, even as he continued to criticize the political direction taken by the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader in the Mt Kenya region.
“You can have DCP candidates all over Mt Kenya. I will not even vie for any seat myself,” Kuria said.
Kuria’s remarks came after Gachagua celebrated the DCP victory in Ol Kalou, where the party’s candidate Sammy Douglas Kamau Waweru defeated UDA’s Samuel Muchina in the by-election.
The former CS also responded to accusations linking him to violence during the Ol Kalou contest, where armed individuals in SUVs attacked voters, residents and journalists during the by- election day.
“Even if you accuse me 1000 times of planning violence without proof, it will not wash,” Kuria said, accusing Gachagua of repeatedly making allegations against him without evidence.
Media reports have identified the attackers as plainclothes police officers who were involved in among others distribution of handouts during UDA rallies.
No action has been taken against those already identified by the police despite a directive by both President William Ruto and Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen.
The Ol Kalou by-election was marred by incidents of intimidation and violence, with journalists and locals reporting attacks by armed men travelling in Prado SUVs.
Two people were killed during the chaos.
Kuria said he had previously warned Gachagua against entering political coalitions without a party structure representing the interests of the Mt Kenya community.
“In 2020 and 2021, I warned you we as a community do not go into a coalition without our party. You fought me,” he said.
He added that he had cautioned against relying solely on one political vehicle, saying the region needed a broader political arrangement.
“I said we don’t go to a dowry negotiation while boarding the bridegroom’s Mercedes. You fought all other parties other than UDA,” Kuria stated.
Kuria further told Gachagua, whom he referred to as “Muthamaki”, to allow him space while he observes political developments over the next year.
“Now that you are the undisputed King, cut me the slack and give me some peace. We watch you for the next 12 months Muthamaki,” he said.
The Ol Kalou outcome has intensified political debate in Mt Kenya, with Gachagua’s DCP positioning itself as a growing force in the region ahead of the 2027 General Election.