Leaders want police to guarantee security ahead Gachagua's Kikuyu rally

DCP aspirants address a press briefing in Kikuyu Town on August 24, 2026. [Kimaku Chege, Standard]

The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) aspirants have called on the government to guarantee security amid political violence and alleged police harassment in Kikuyu ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The leaders spoke ahead of a DCP rally scheduled for Wednesday in Kikuyu Town, which will be led by party leader and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

Kikuyu Constituency parliamentary aspirant Kigathi Kionywe said the party was only seeking adequate security to ensure the meeting proceeds peacefully.

“The meeting will only take a maximum of two hours. That is the only time we need to see security from our officers,” said Kionywe.

He accused authorities of failing to provide a conducive environment for political leaders and their supporters to exercise their constitutional rights.

His concerns come after a previous DCP political gathering in Kikuyu was disrupted after police lobbed tear gas canisters and dispersed the crowd.

Reports from the April 11, 2026 incident indicated that anti-riot police used tear gas to disperse crowds that had gathered at a rally addressed by Gachagua and other opposition leaders.

DCP aspirant Julia Wanjiru called for an end to political violence, warning that Kenyans risk destroying the country's future over political differences.

“If you kill your brothers and sisters, what will tomorrow look like? How will the future unfold?” Posed Wanjiru.

Another Kikuyu parliamentary aspirant Muchanga Kiragu called for investigations into individuals behind political violence and goonism.

“Anyone responsible for goonism should be investigated and taken to the ICC,” said Kiragu.

The aspirants urged security agencies to remain impartial and ensure that all political formations are allowed to conduct their activities without intimidation or interference.

They also called on their supporters and rival political formations to embrace political tolerance, warning that political competition should not degenerate into confrontation or violence as the country edges towards the 2027 General Election.

Kuria Kimani, an aspirant in Kikuyu, said residents would attend the DCP rally despite chaos that marred previous political gatherings.

“Kikuyu residents have vowed not to be intimidated as they wait to hear from the DCP leader,” said Kimani.

The leaders urged police to provide adequate security and allow residents to exercise their democratic and constitutional rights peacefully.