The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has lodged a complaint with police in Ishiara, alleging a scheme by Democratic Congress Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua and his associates to disrupt an opposition rally scheduled for tomorrow in Mbeere North.
UDA Chairperson Cecily Mbarire, speaking after recording a statement at the station, said the party had received what it considers credible intelligence indicating plans to transport groups of youths into the constituency to instigate violence during the event.
She said the information was shared with the party on Wednesday night.
According to Mbarire, the alleged plan involves ferrying hired groups from outside Mbeere North and even outside Embu County, ahead of a rally to be led by Gachagua in support of Newton Karish, the DCP-backed candidate in the upcoming Mbeere North by-election.
“We are here at Ishiara Police Station to report information 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,” Mbarire said. She alleged that those being mobilised “are being mobilised by DCP party leader Rigathi Gachagua.”
Mbarire further claimed the youths being recruited had been issued with UDA-branded T-shirts, which she described as an attempt to frame the ruling party and its candidate, Leonard Muthende, should violence occur.
She said UDA had submitted to police a list of individuals purportedly involved in the mobilisation, allegedly operating from areas such as Sagana, Kirinyaga, Kayole, Ruiru and 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,” she said.
Mbarire added that UDA would not be drawn into confrontations intended to tarnish the party’s image.
She also distanced the party from a recent video showing a small group of UDA supporters issuing threats ahead of Gachagua’s visit, saying their remarks did not reflect the party’s official position.
UDA legal counsel Adrian Kamotho criticised DCP’s activities in the area, arguing that the party has no legal role 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.”
Security agencies are now expected to investigate the allegations and maintain order during tomorrow’s rallies, amid rising political tension in the constituency.
