Gachagua writes to IG Kanja, raises concerns over Ol Kalou poll security

DCP party leader Rigathi Gachagua has written to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, raising concerns over the security arrangements for the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election.

Gachagua and urging the National Police Service to guarantee a peaceful and credible poll.

In a four-page letter dated July 15, 2026, Gachagua questioned the command and deployment of police officers ahead of Thursday's vote, while making a series of allegations about the conduct of security personnel and the management of election security.

The National Police Service had not responded to the contents of the letter by the time of publication.

The letter, titled "RE: Olkalou By-Elections and Police Deployment," was addressed directly to the Inspector General.

Gachagua claimed that command of the National Police Service had "completely gone" to top government officials and Kenya Kwanza politicians.

He further alleged that the security challenges witnessed in Ol Kalou were linked to what he described as "plain-clothes rogue police officers" rather than political supporters.

"The security challenge in Olkalou and across Kenya isn't too much about the goons but the plain-clothes rogue police officers outside of your command," he wrote.

In the letter, Gachagua cited four incidents that he said affected DCP officials and supporters during the campaign period. They include an alleged assault on party officials, an alleged attack on the party's campaign team, damage to a campaign sound truck and what he described as an attempted assassination of East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Kanini Kega. He claimed no action had been taken over the incidents.

The DCP leader also questioned the deployment of more than 1,000 police officers to Ol Kalou, describing the security presence as unprecedented.

"We have noted the deployment of over 2,000 police officers in Olkalou; this is unprecedented in the history of elections in our country," he wrote.

Gachagua called on the Inspector General to ensure that all officers deployed during the by-election are in uniform, display their service numbers and use clearly marked police vehicles.

"The 2,000 police officers deployed must be uniformed; they must display their service numbers, they must not be hooded, and they must use clearly marked police vehicles," the letter reads.

He also alleged that some officers had been deployed with instructions intended to interfere with the electoral process. Those allegations have not been independently verified.

Gachagua further urged the Inspector General to withdraw officers he described as non-uniformed.

"For a start, you may, if you have the guts, order the immediate withdrawal of all non-uniformed police officers deployed in Olkalou," he stated.

As the by-election draws closer, Gachagua appealed to the police chief to ensure peace and uphold the law, while citing Section 12 of the Election Offences Act on the use of national security organs during elections.

If the 2,000 police officers will not be able to maintain peace in Olkalou, then you will lose it all. Mr. IG, let the police not cause violence; let the police keep peace, law and order," he wrote.

The letter concludes with the statement: "You have a date with destiny on 16th July, 2026."