Gachagua accuses IG Kanja of ignoring violence threats ahead of Mbeere North by-election

Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has written to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, accusing him of failing to act on threats of violence ahead of the upcoming Mbeere North by-election.

In a strongly worded letter on Wednesday, the former Deputy President attributed what he intimated to be looming mayhem on widely circulated social media videos threatening violence ahead of the November 27 by-election, calling for the IG’s immediate action and arrest of alleged perpetrators.

He identified individuals alleged to have issued threats against him and residents, naming Simon Njagi Njiru (alias Gikundo wa Gikundo), Josiah Kariuki Ngari (alias Mtetezi Puff), and Susan Nyaga, among others.

“Despite the evidence and information in your custody, the above persons have not been arraigned. We demand that ahead of the by-elections, the above persons must be arrested immediately, arraigned and charged under the penal code,” Gachagua stated.

Gachagua linked the suspects to senior government officials, claiming that they were close associates of Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire and Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, who is also the immediate former Mbeere North MP.

The former DP insisted that the people of Mbeere North must be allowed to exercise their democratic right to vote freely, warning that “no one shall be allowed to force a candidate on the people.”

He thus reaffirmed his intention to campaign in Mbeere North between November 16 and 24, 2025, thereby informing the IG of preparations.

“Take note that I will be in Mbeere North Constituency from November 16, 2025 - November 24, 2025, to campaign for the candidate of my choice in full exercise of my constitutional rights,” he wrote, adding that his supporters in the area had taken note of the “laissez-faire approach on matters of security as pertains to this by-election.”

While cautioning IG Kanja over what he termed a “lax approach” to national security, Gachagua said, “the drums of war being beaten in Mbeere North under your watch are a national security threat.”

He accused the police chief of presiding over “goonism and a total breakdown of the rule of law,” citing failure to act on violence and looting during the July 7 Saba Saba protests.

“On July 7, 2025, during the Saba Saba peaceful protests, you watched as goons looted businesses, destroyed property and killed Kenyans across the country. To date, you have not carried out any investigations, and no arraignments have been done. No one has been charged,” Gachagua noted.

The DCP party boss therefore warned that Kanja could face personal responsibility before the International Criminal Court over alleged omissions and commissions in his duties.

“You will be held personally responsible before the International Criminal Court – ICC,” he said, drawing parallels with former Police Commissioner Major General Mohammed Ali, who faced scrutiny over the 2007/08 post-election violence.

Gachagua further referenced previous incidents of alleged attacks on him and his supporters in April and August 2025, saying that the IG was yet to take any credible action.