Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has accused President William Ruto’s administration of using intimidation tactics and deploying an unusually heavy police presence to disrupt his campaign rally in Narok town on Monday, November 24.
In a statement shared alongside a video from the rally, the former Deputy President claimed that more than 1,000 police officers had been dispatched to prevent him from addressing residents and campaigning for DCP candidate Douglas Masikonde ahead of the Narok Township Ward by-election.
He alleged that the security forces had erected multiple roadblocks to bar him from entering the town, but insisted he managed to access the venue despite the measures.
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“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 said to cheering supporters.
He urged residents not to be cowed by what he described as attempts to instill fear among voters, adding that such strategies would only strengthen his candidate’s popularity. “Don’t fear those small crowds sent here to sell you fear,” he remarked.
“Masikonde will win. This kind of theatrics is what will see Masikonde win in the morning,” he declared, before leading chants directed at the President and Narok County leadership.
However, the rally was abruptly disrupted moments after Masikonde took the microphone to address the crowd. Video footage showed teargas being fired into the gathering, triggering panic and forcing residents to flee in different directions.
Thick clouds of smoke could be seen drifting across the venue as the footage cut off, accompanied by screams from fleeing attendees.
The caption accompanying the video read: “Public Engagement in Narok amidst teargas and Bullets.” Police had not issued an official statement on the incident by the time of publication.
The Narok Township Ward by-election has drawn significant political attention since the seat became vacant following the death of former MCA Lukas Kudate, who passed away on February 16, 2024, after a long illness.
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has fronted Kanyinke Ole Kudate, the late MCA’s firstborn son, as its candidate. Previously little known due to his quiet lifestyle, Kanyinke has quickly gained momentum after several aspirants stepped aside to back him.
Among those who withdrew is the late MCA’s stepmother, Sarah Kudate, who had initially vowed to contest. A
nother strong contender, Alfred Saruni, who was eyeing a Jubilee ticket, also dropped out, saying Kanyinke should be allowed to complete his father’s term.
The unfolding political contest has now become a high-stakes battle, with Gachagua using the campaign trail to directly confront the President’s administration, signaling a widening rift between the two former allies.