The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader, Rigathi Gachagua, has accused President William Ruto's government of deploying a heavy police presence and using intimidation tactics to disrupt his campaign rally in Narok town on Monday, November 24.
In a brief statement accompanying a video, the former Deputy President claimed that over a thousand police officers had been deployed to prevent him from addressing residents and campaigning for the DCP candidate in the upcoming Narok township ward by-election.
Gachagua, who was campaigning for the DCP candidate Douglas Masikonde, told the crowd that security forces had erected roadblocks to bar him from entering Narok town. Still, he had managed to reach the venue despite the obstacles.
"Police are putting roadblocks so I can't enter Narok. Now I'm here. President Ruto's government is scared of me. They put more than a thousand police officers, so I can't come talk to you," Gachagua told the crowd.
The former Deputy President urged residents not to be intimidated by what he described as orchestrated attempts to instill fear among voters.
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"Don't fear those small crowds sent here to sell you fear," he said, adding that such tactics would only boost support for his candidate.
"Masikonde will win. This kind of theatrics is what will see Masikonde win in the morning," Gachagua declared confidently before leading the crowd in chants against President Ruto and Narok Governor.
However, the rally took a chaotic turn just as Gachagua invited Masikonde to address the gathering.
Moments after the DCP candidate began speaking, teargas canisters were fired into the crowd, causing panic and forcing attendees to disperse. The video footage captured smoke billowing across the venue, screams from fleeing residents, and the abrupt end to the video.
The caption accompanying the video read, "Public Engagement in Narok amidst teargas and Bullets."
The DCP's candidate, Douglas Masikonde, is facing stiff competition in the Narok township ward by-election, which has attracted considerable political attention since the seat fell vacant.
The by-election was necessitated by the death of MCA Lukas Kudate on February 16, 2024, following a prolonged illness at a Nairobi hospital.
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party issued its ticket to Kanyinke Ole Kudate, the firstborn son of the late MCA. Initially little known among Narok town residents due to his reserved nature, Kanyinke has rapidly gained political traction after several prominent aspirants withdrew from the race to support him.
Among those who stepped aside is the late MCA's stepmother, Sarah Kudate, who had initially vowed to contest for the seat.
Another frontrunner, Alfred Saruni, who had planned to run on a Jubilee ticket, also withdrew his candidacy in favor of Kanyinke, citing the need to allow the late MCA's son to complete his father's term.
