Nairobi — The ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has sharply rejected allegations made by former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua regarding purported plans to derail the upcoming by-election in the Mbeere North Constituency.
In a strongly-worded letter dated 13 November 2025, the party’s Secretary-General Hassan Omar Hassan described Gachagua’s public claims as “panic-driven, baseless and bloated with innuendo”.
Gachagua had addressed a letter to Douglas Kanja, the Inspector‐General of Police, on 12 November, warning of a plot involving unnamed individuals linked to senior officials allegedly geared to hamper his campaign during the 27 November by-election. He said videos circulating on social media showed people threatening him and supporters during his campaign tour between 16 and 24 November.
“Despite the evidence and information in your custody, the above persons have not been arraigned,” the letter stated.
In response, UDA dismissed the names listed by Gachagua, alleging they “exist only in your imagination” and accusing him of leveraging past controversies to foster a narrative of victim-hood.
The party also reminded Gachagua of his previously documented confrontational behaviour, including insults and alleged violence, stating that “the nation has a long memory of how… you have routinely used abusive, insulting and offensive language…”
From Gachagua’s side, the focus remains on ensuring the by-election is free and fair. He urged the police to act and warned that if the alleged threats were left unchecked, local voters could be disenfranchised.
Observers note that tensions are high in Mbeere North, where the outcome is seen as a barometer for political power in the region. A credible electoral process will be critical.
While the UDA rejects the allegations and says its campaign has been “conducted in absolute tranquillity and decorum”, it remains to be seen whether the authorities will independently investigate Gachagua’s claims.
With the by-election just weeks away, both sides are firmly in place, one calling out alleged threats, the other dismissing them as political theatre. How the security agencies and electoral body respond could shape the fairness of the contest.
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