UDA files police complaint, claims Gachagua plotting chaos ahead of Mbeere North rally

The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has filed a formal complaint at Ishiara Police Station, accusing the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua and his allies of masterminding a plan to disrupt Sunday’s opposition rally in Mbeere North.

Speaking to the press moments after recording the statement, UDA Chairperson Cecily Mbarire revealed that the party received credible intelligence on Wednesday night indicating a coordinated scheme to ferry goons from outside Mbeere North and even beyond Embu County.

According to Mbarire, the plan allegedly aims to stage chaos during the opposition’s tour, which will be led by Gachagua in support of Newton Karish, the DCP candidate in the highly competitive Mbeere North by-election.

“We are here at Ishiara Police Station to report information that we received yesterday night that there is a plan to ferry people from outside Embu and Mbeere North to cause chaos during the opposition rallies slated for tomorrow at 2pm. Those being mobilized are being mobilized by DCP party leader Rigathi Gachagua,” she said.

In a dramatic twist, Mbarire claimed the hired youth have allegedly been issued with UDA-branded T-shirts, in what she described as a plot to frame the ruling party and its candidate, Leonard Muthende, should violence erupt.

She further disclosed that the party has furnished authorities with a list of individuals believed to be coordinating the mobilization from areas such as Sagana, Kirinyaga, Kayole, Ruiru, and other parts of Nairobi.

“For the last one month, Mbeere North has enjoyed peaceful campaigns. It is unfortunate that Gachagua and his allies are plotting to disturb that peace. We do not support any form of violence…violence begets violence, and you can never win through it,” Mbarire warned.

Mbarire added that UDA will not allow itself to be dragged into confrontations meant to taint the party’s image.

She also condemned a recent video in which a few UDA supporters were seen issuing threats ahead of the Gachagua visit, stressing that those were personal views that do not reflect the party’s position.

UDA legal counsel Adrian Kamotho also took issue with DCP’s activities in the area, saying the party has no legal standing in the by-election.

“The DCP party has no mandate in Mbeere North politics,” Kamotho said. “They have not signed the election code of conduct since they have no candidate. They should stop orchestrating plans to cause chaos.”

Sunday’s rallies now hang under the shadow of heightened political tension, with security agencies expected to respond to the allegations and ensure peace in the constituency.