Ichung’wah Writes to IG Kanja Over Alleged Gachagua-Linked Violence Ahead of Kikuyu Rally
A political standoff is intensifying ahead of a planned rally in Kikuyu Town, after Kikuyu MP and National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah wrote to Inspector General Douglas Kanja, raising concerns over alleged violence linked to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
In the letter, Ichung’wah accused Gachagua of orchestrating a campaign of incitement and mobilising groups to disrupt peace in the constituency ahead of the scheduled political meeting. He claimed that recent statements by the former Deputy President, including those made through vernacular media platforms, were aimed at stirring ethnic tensions.
“The last two weeks have seen Rigathi Gachagua embark on a deliberate campaign of incitement, hate, and violence targeting the people of the Kikuyu Constituency, with the aim of creating disharmony amongst my constituents,” the letter read in part.
The Majority Leader emphasized his responsibility as the elected representative of the area, stating that safeguarding lives, property, and public order remained his primary obligation.
“I have consistently stated, as a peace-loving and law-abiding Kenyan, that Kikuyu is part and parcel of Kenya and that all leaders are welcome here. However, as the elected representative of this constituency, I am obligated to ensure the safety of lives, property, and peace of Kikuyu residents. That obligation compels me to write to you today,” he stated.
Ichung’wah urged the Inspector General not to withdraw police officers from the area, warning that such a move could create a security vacuum that might be exploited to trigger unrest.
“Do not fall into this trap to withdraw security teams from protecting Kikuyu Town against this vile man and his campaign of violence and destruction,” he cautioned.
The lawmaker further referenced past incidents of unrest, including the alleged torching of NG-CDF offices in Kikuyu during protests in June 2024. He described the events as part of a broader and continuing pattern of politically instigated violence in the region.
In addition, Ichung’wah claimed to have received intelligence reports indicating that groups were being mobilised from multiple counties—including Kiambu County, Nairobi, Murang’a County, Kirinyaga County, and Nyandarua County—with the intention of transporting them into Kikuyu ahead of the rally.
The letter comes shortly after Gachagua himself wrote to the police chief, alleging a separate plot to disrupt the same rally. In his communication, the former Deputy President accused Ichung’wah of issuing threats and claimed that there were coordinated efforts involving criminal gangs and elements within the police to interfere with the event.
The exchange of accusations highlights escalating tensions between the two leaders, who have increasingly clashed in recent months over political influence in the Mount Kenya region.
The developments follow a public exchange between Gachagua and President William Ruto during the funeral of Ol Kalou MP David Kiaraho earlier this week. During the event, Gachagua urged the President to rein in Ichung’wah, warning of potential political consequences.
Observers note that the conflicting claims by both camps have placed security agencies under pressure to ensure neutrality and maintain order ahead of the rally. Analysts also warn that the situation could heighten political tensions if not carefully managed.
By the time of publication, the National Police Service Kenya had not issued an official response to either of the letters.
As the rally date approaches, attention remains on whether adequate security measures will be implemented to prevent possible clashes, amid growing concerns over political intolerance and the safety of residents in the area.
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Ichung’wah Writes to IG Kanja Over Alleged Gachagua-Linked Violence Ahead of Kikuyu Rally
