Gachagua Warns IG Kanja of ICC Action Over Mbeere North Violence Threats

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has issued a scathing warning to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, accusing him of failing to act on alleged threats of election violence ahead of the upcoming Mbeere North by-election.

In a fiery letter dated November 12, Gachagua claimed that several individuals — including Simon Njagi Njiru (alias Gikundo wa Gikundo), Josiah Kariuki Ngari (alias Mtetezi Puff), and Susan Nyaga — have issued public threats targeting both him and residents of Mbeere North.

According to him, the threats, captured in viral videos circulating online, are intended to intimidate voters ahead of the November 27 polls.

Despite what he described as “clear evidence,” Gachagua accused the police of failing to arrest or charge those involved. He linked the alleged perpetrators to Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire and Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, describing them as part of a “state-sponsored network of intimidation.”

“We demand that ahead of the by-elections, the above persons must be arrested immediately, arraigned and charged under the Penal Code,” Gachagua wrote, adding, “We further demand that the people of Mbeere North be allowed to exercise their democratic right to vote a candidate of their choice; no one shall be allowed to force a candidate to the people.”

The former DP, in the letter, revealed plans to campaign in the constituency between November 16 and 24 for a candidate of his choice and warned the police against “turning a blind eye” to escalating tension. He claimed to have intelligence that state-backed goons have been mobilized to disrupt his rallies.

“Be advised that the people of Mbeere North have assured me, might you, Mr. Kanja, fail to provide adequate security to me and my entourage, they will do it themselves,” he warned.

Gachagua accused IG Kanja of presiding over “goonism and the total breakdown of the rule of law,” citing previous incidents — including the July 7 Saba Saba protests — where he claimed the police failed to act as citizens were attacked and property destroyed.

He further accused the IG of ignoring previous reports of assassination attempts and violence against him and his supporters earlier in the year, warning that such “acts of omission” could land Kanja before the International Criminal Court (ICC).

“You will be held personally responsible before the ICC,” Gachagua cautioned, referencing the case of former Police Commissioner Major General Mohammed Ali, who was investigated over the 2007/08 post-election violence.

The DCP leader also copied the letter to the IEBC Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon, demanding the immediate disqualification of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate in the by-election, alleging government interference in the poll.

“Mr. Ethekon, be reminded that Kenyans are taking note of your commissions and omissions during this by-election ahead of the 2027 general elections. Do not dare the patience of the people of Kenya,” Gachagua warned.

The by-election in Mbeere North, set for November 27, has become a political flashpoint, with rising tensions between Gachagua’s Democratic Coalition Party (DCP) and the ruling UDA. His letter signals escalating hostilities as the race draws closer, setting the stage for a high-stakes political showdown in Embu County.

Former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria had earlier warned of possible disruptions to Gachagua’s campaign in the constituency, claiming there was a plot to incite chaos during Gachagua’s tour, with some individuals allegedly planning to disguise themselves in Chama Cha Kazi (CCK) uniforms to stir trouble.

He stressed that his party is firmly against electoral violence, pointing to the lessons learned from the 2007-2008 post-election turmoil.

The former presidential advisor also questioned whether the 2027 elections would be conducted fairly, expressing disappointment that his concerns, raised with the Electoral Operations Commissioner, had not prompted any action.