The ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has taken a dramatic step by formally reporting a scheme of planned political disruption to the Ishiara Police Station, directly pointing the finger at Democratic Congress Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua and his associates.
The accusation centers on the alleged organization of violence intended to mar an upcoming opposition political event scheduled for the following day in Mbeere North.
UDA Chairperson Cecily Mbarire addressed journalists immediately after concluding the statement-taking process, disclosing that the party had been given reliable intelligence late Wednesday evening. This information detailed a calculated operation to transport hired provocateurs (“goons”) from outside the Mbeere North area and even from beyond the boundaries of Embu County.
Mbarire asserted that the supposed objective of this mobilization is to instigate disorder during the opposition’s campaign itinerary. Gachagua is set to spearhead this tour, which is designed to bolster the campaign of Newton Karish, the DCP-backed contender in the fiercely contested Mbeere North by-election.
“We are here at Ishiara Police Station to officially log information received last night concerning a plot to transport individuals from outside Embu and Mbeere North to foment trouble during the opposition’s gatherings set for tomorrow at 2 pm,” she stated. “The people being organized are being mobilized by DCP party leader Rigathi Gachagua.”
In an unprecedented claim, Mbarire suggested that the recruited young people have allegedly been outfitted with T-shirts bearing UDA branding. She framed this as a deliberate strategy to implicate UDA and its own candidate, Leonard Muthende, in the event that conflict breaks out.
Furthermore, she confirmed that the party has handed over to the police a roster of individuals suspected of coordinating this recruitment effort from various distant locations, including Sagana, Kirinyaga, Kayole, Ruiru, and other sections of the capital, Nairobi.
“Mbeere North has experienced tranquil campaigning for the past month. It is regrettable that Gachagua and those aligned with him are contriving to shatter that peace.
We reject all forms of violence—violence breeds more violence, and you can never succeed through it,” Mbarire sternly cautioned.
Mbarire added a commitment that UDA would resist attempts to be drawn into confrontations designed to damage the party’s reputation. She also denounced a recent viral video showing a few individuals identifying as UDA supporters making threats ahead of Gachagua’s visit, emphasizing that these were personal opinions that do not represent the party’s official stance.
UDA legal representative Adrian Kamotho also raised concerns regarding DCP’s involvement in the locality, arguing that the party lacks any legitimate standing in the current by-election contest.
“The DCP party holds no authority in Mbeere North political affairs,” Kamotho asserted. “They have not been signatories to the election code of conduct because they do not have a recognized candidate. They must cease generating plans to incite disorder.”
The scheduled rallies for tomorrow now proceed under a cloud of heightened political anxiety, with law enforcement agencies expected to move decisively to investigate the serious claims and guarantee security within the constituency.
