Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua/HANDOUTFormer Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has cautioned Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) aspirants and supporters against engaging in violence during political meetings.
Gachagua has instead urged them to embrace peaceful competition ahead of the party's nominations for the 2027 General Election.
Speaking on Wednesday during a meeting with Nyandarua leaders, Gachagua said political contests should be conducted democratically and without confrontation, warning that violence would only undermine party unity.
He said he was encouraged by the peaceful conduct witnessed during the recent Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election and appealed to party members to maintain the same spirit as competition for various elective seats intensifies.
"I want peaceful meetings. I do not want people fighting or causing chaos during political rallies. Let us compete democratically because whoever wins will be supported by everyone. If you injure someone during the contest, do you think they will support you afterwards?" Gachagua said.
The former Deputy President said he had witnessed an incident involving supporters at a recent political gathering, which he said left him disappointed.
"I saw an incident, and I was not happy. I want us to remain brothers and sisters because there is no way I can preach unity and love in the Mt Kenya region while we are fighting each other over politics. This issue of people fighting must come to an end. Let us all campaign peacefully and treat one another with respect," he said.
Gachagua also appealed to leaders involved in political differences, including those aligned with Nyandarua Governor Kiarie Badilisha and their supporters, to avoid confrontations and allow campaigns to proceed peacefully.
His remarks came shortly after Governor Badilisha officially joined the Democracy for Citizens Party, becoming the latest elected leader to defect to the outfit associated with Gachagua.
Earlier in the day, Gachagua welcomed the governor and members of the Nyandarua County Assembly into the party, saying they had committed to seeking re-election on DCP tickets in 2027 and would participate in party primaries scheduled for next year.
He assured aspirants that the party nominations would be conducted fairly.
"I have assured them that the party primaries will be free and fair," he said.
Gachagua said the governor and the MCAs had also conveyed a message of goodwill from Nyandarua residents, whom he described as committed to what he called the country's liberation agenda.
The former Deputy President further argued that the outcome of the recent Ol Kalou by-election reflected the political mood in the Mt Kenya region ahead of the 2027 elections.
He maintained that leaders in the region had agreed to remain united to avoid splitting the vote and repeated his call for political cohesion within the region as DCP continues its recruitment drive.
