Nairobi, November 13- The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has hit back at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over claims that his life is in danger ahead of his planned campaign tour in Mbeere North.
In a strongly worded letter dated November 13, UDA Secretary-General Hassan Omar dismissed Gachagua’s assertions as unfounded and politically charged, saying they were a “panic-driven” attempt to craft a false sense of victimhood.
Gachagua, through the Democracy for Citizens Party, had earlier written to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, alleging that individuals linked to a local governor had been hired to disrupt his campaign. He even named some suspects, whose threats were allegedly captured in viral videos online.
However, UDA refuted the allegations, saying none of the people mentioned could be verified, and accused the former deputy president of exaggerating events for political mileage. The party further accused Gachagua of having a long record of using inflammatory language and intimidation in his political dealings.
“We take note of your latest public tantrum disguised as a formal letter to the Inspector General. The individuals you claim are connected to UDA Chairperson and Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, or Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, exist only in your imagination,” the letter read.
It went on to describe Gachagua’s conduct as a desperate distraction from his “collapsing political career,” weighed down by what the party termed a documented record of misconduct.
UDA maintained that political activities in Mbeere North have been peaceful, dismissing the alleged threats as fabrications. The party also accused Gachagua of dishonest dealings, claiming he collected money from a parliamentary aspirant under the guise of issuing a DCP nomination certificate, calling for the refund of the money as a matter of integrity.
“Contrary to your wild suspicions, the people of Mbeere have no plans to harm you or interfere with any part of your body,” the letter stated sarcastically.
Gachagua, however, insists that the threats are genuine and politically motivated. He has called on police to take swift action against those allegedly hired to undermine his campaign.
Meanwhile, Chama Cha Kazi leader Moses Kuria also alleged that some UDA operatives were planning to pose as CCK members to sabotage Gachagua’s campaign and extort Ksh10 million from him.
The Mbeere North parliamentary by-election has become a heated political contest, seen as a key test of influence between President William Ruto’s UDA and his estranged former deputy in the Mount Kenya region. The United Opposition has endorsed Democratic Party candidate Newton Karish, while UDA is supporting Leonard Muthende.
