UDA tells of Gachagua over Mbeere North violence claims

The ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has told off former Vice President Rigathi Gachagua over his claim of planned state-sponsored violence ahead of the Mbeere North by-election.  

UDA says Gachagua’s letter to Inspector General Douglas Kanja demanding arrests of some of its supporters as driven by panic.

Secretary General Hassan Omar on Thursday issued a scathing response addressed to the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader, saying he is 'seeking sympathy through dramatisation of the by-election campaigns'.

“Contrary to your wild allegations and suspicions, you are well advised that the peace-loving people of Mbeere North have no intention of harming you. Their dignity is focused on revitalised development and transformative programmes being spearheaded by the broad-based government,” Omar said.  

He added, “Your current outburst is readily recognised for what it is: a cynical ploy to raise a false alarm. The campaigns have been progressing smoothly ever since the eligible candidates were cleared.”

According to Gachagua, the individuals in a widely circulated video warned him against visiting the constituency from November 16, when he is expected to lead campaign rallies in support of DCP’s candidate, Newton Karish.

The DCP leader claimed individuals captured on the clip threatening him are well-known, claims UDA has dismissed.

“We acknowledge your public outburst, packaged as a solemn letter to the Inspector General of Police. Foremost, the claims and allegations as well as names dropped in your letter only exist in your pregnant imagination,” Omar's letter adds.

The UDA party has also called out Gachagua for demanding that the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) sanction its candidate Leo Muthende over the alleged plot to cause mayhem.

“We caution you against attempting to drag Wamuthende, the UDA party candidate, into your melodramatic reactions. For avoidance of doubt, UDA party does not condone any form of violence whatsoever and has, since the declaration of Mbeere North constituency seat, conducted its campaigns in absolute tranquillity and decorum, with zero incidents of violence reported.”

Gachagua’s demand letter was copied to the National Intelligence Service Director General Noor Mohamed, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Director Mohamed Amin, the IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), and several media houses.

“My attention has been drawn to a widely circulated social media video threatening election violence ahead of the November 27 by-election in Mbeere North,” Gachagua’s letter to Kanja dated November 12, 2025, reads in part, while alleging that those behind the threats are known but that no action has been taken.

He is scheduled to lead the United Opposition’s campaigns for Karish from November 16 to 24 and has urged authorities to guarantee safety during the campaign period

The Mbeere North parliamentary seat fell vacant following the appointment of Godfrey Ruku to the Cabinet by President William Ruto.