Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua [GACHAGUA/X]Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has asked the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, to guarantee his security and that of his supporters ahead of his planned visit to Emurua Dikirr Constituency in Narok County on Friday.
In a letter to Kanja on August 20, Gachagua said he plans to visit the constituency on August 21, 2026, following an invitation by Democratic Congress Party (DCP) candidate Vincent Rotich.
Gachagua said he will join DCP supporters and leaders from across the country for a thanksgiving occasion.
He said he had received information about threats linked to his planned visit and asked the National Police Service to ensure the safety of his entourage, supporters and residents.
“My attention has been drawn to threats which have been recorded on videos, shared online, and reported by the mainstream and social media, that my entourage and I should not set foot in Emurua Dikirr on August 21, 2026,” Gachagua said.
The former deputy president said he has a constitutional right to travel to any part of the country and participate in political activities.
Gachagua also referred to the violence witnessed during a political rally in Homa Bay over the weekend, describing it as a serious concern and urging the police to protect life and property.
“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. Note that Emurua Dikirr is part of Kenya. What happened in Homa Bay was a shame of the highest magnitude in post-independence Kenya,” he said.
He said that the Inspector General has the responsibility to protect Kenyans and safeguard property.
Gachagua also raised concerns over previous attacks he said had been directed at him, noting that he had presented evidence to the Inspector General during a visit to his office in January.
He said he expected the police to take action on such incidents.
“Mr Kanja, I wish to remind you that you took the oath of office to protect human life and property for all Kenyans. You will recall that on January 30, 2026, I visited your office in Nairobi and presented evidence on the 24 attacks that had been meted out against me,” he said.
Ahead of Friday's visit, Gachagua put three questions to the Inspector General, seeking assurances on security.
“Can you assure the country that my entourage, the people of Emurua Dikirr, and I will be safe on 21st August 2026?” he asked.
He also asked whether the police were adequately prepared for the visit and whether sufficient security measures had been put in place to protect life and property.
“Can you inform the people of Kenya that you have put in place adequate security measures to protect life and property in Emurua Dikirr on 21st August 2026?” Gachagua asked.
This follows violent disruptions at political and civic meetings in different parts of Kenya in recent months, which have renewed concerns over the use of organised groups to interfere with public gatherings and political activities.
The latest incident was reported in Homa Bay County on August 16, when the Linda Mwananchi movement's convoy came under attack as opposition-leaning leaders toured the county.
The movement said its convoy encountered roadblocks and groups of people along several routes, accusing the attackers of trying to prevent its leaders and supporters from accessing parts of Homa Bay.
The incident has since triggered demands for investigations into those behind the violence.
