Gachagua Writes to IG Kanja, Issues Three Demands Ahead of Emurua Dikirr Visit

Former Deputy President and Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has put the National Police Service on notice over his planned visit to Emurua Dikirr Constituency in Narok County on Friday, August 21.

In a letter addressed to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja on Thursday, August 20, Gachagua asked whether adequate security had been put in place for him, his entourage and thousands of supporters expected to attend the event.

His concerns come after he said he had been alerted to threats allegedly issued against his visit by the area Member of Parliament, David Kipsang Keter, and other individuals.

Gachagua said some of the alleged threats had been captured on video, circulated online and reported by media outlets.

The DCP leader said he plans to travel to Emurua Dikirr at the invitation of the party’s candidate, Vincent Rotich, who contested the May 14 by-election.

Gachagua’s three demands to Kanja

Gachagua wants Inspector General Kanja to assure him, his team and residents of Emurua Dikirr that they will be safe during the visit.

He is also asking the police chief to confirm that the National Police Service is fully aware that he and his supporters will be in the constituency.

Finally, Gachagua is asking Kanja to state publicly whether adequate security measures have been put in place to protect life and property in Emurua Dikirr.

The questions come as political tensions remain heightened following a series of contentious political events and clashes involving rival groups.

Gachagua’s planned visit is therefore likely to attract heightened attention, with security arrangements expected to determine how the gathering unfolds.

Also Read: Gachagua’s DCP Blogger Abducted by Hooded Men

Gachagua raises alarm over alleged threats

Gachagua’s letter paints a tense picture ahead of the planned gathering, with the former Deputy President claiming that attempts had been made to discourage him and his supporters from entering the constituency.

“I am aware that the CS for Interior and Coordination of National Government, Mr. Kipchumba Murkomen, and the PS for Interior Mr. Raymond Omollo have financed Mr. Kipsang to mobilise goons and plain-clothes police officers to cause mayhem,” Gachagua alleged.

Those claims have not been independently verified, and the letter does not provide evidence establishing that the officials financed or directed any such operation.

Reference to the recent unrest in Homa Bay forms part of Gachagua’s argument. He claimed the events witnessed there could be surpassed by what he expects in Emurua Dikirr if adequate security measures are not taken.

“What happened in Homa Bay was a shame of the highest magnitude in post-independence Kenya,” he said, before telling Kanja that he should have resigned as Inspector General.

Also Read: IG Kanja Raises Red Flag Over Political Violence Risks Ahead of 2027 Elections

Former DP demands answers from police

For Gachagua, the issue is not whether he should travel to Emurua Dikirr but whether the police will guarantee his safety once he gets there.

He reminded Kanja that he has a constitutional right to travel and visit any part of Kenya, arguing that Emurua Dikirr is no exception.

“I am a Kenyan with the right to visit any part of the country, and I have the right to enjoy the freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution of Kenya,” Gachagua said.

His criticism also extended to the command of the National Police Service, which he accused of allowing civilians and alleged goons to influence security operations.

This comes months after he says he personally visited Kanja’s office in Nairobi and presented evidence relating to 24 attacks allegedly targeting him.

According to Gachagua, little action has been taken on those complaints, while individuals he associates with the attacks continue to operate without consequences.

Gachagua puts Kanja on notice

He went further, warning Kanja that the conduct of the police could have consequences beyond the immediate events in Emurua Dikirr, accusing President William Ruto, Murkomen and Omollo of setting up the police chief to take responsibility for alleged wrongdoing.

Gachagua also invoked the International Criminal Court (ICC) and referred to the experience of former Police Commissioner Mohamed Ali following the 2007/08 post-election violence.

Those claims are Gachagua’s allegations and have not been established as fact.

His message to Kanja, however, was unmistakable: take charge of the National Police Service ahead of the 2027 General Election or resign.

“You either take charge of the Police Service ahead of the 10th of August 2027 General Election or resign,” Gachagua said.

The DCP leader argued that the police chief has a constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property and should therefore ensure that security officers remain in command of the situation.

For now, the immediate issue is Friday’s planned visit, with Gachagua seeking a clear word from the police on whether he and those accompanying him will be protected.

The National Police Service has not, at the time of publication, publicly responded to the contents of Gachagua’s letter.

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NPS Inspector General Douglas Kanja speaking at past event. PHOTO/NPS