The Narok Township Ward by-election campaign trail turned explosive on Monday, November 24, after Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua claimed President William Ruto’s administration deployed an unprecedented police force to disrupt his rally—shortly before teargas sent crowds running for safety.
Gachagua, in a fiery address to supporters, accused the government of using intimidation and force to frustrate his campaign for DCP candidate Douglas Masikonde.
“Ruto’s Government Is Scared of Me” — Gachagua Claims Roadblocks, 1,000 Police Officers
According to the former Deputy President, more than 1,000 police officers were allegedly dispatched across Narok town to block his entry and scatter supporters—a claim he made while standing defiantly before a charged crowd.
“Police are putting roadblocks so I can’t enter Narok. Now I’m here. Ruto’s government is scared of me,” he declared, drawing loud cheers. Gachagua insisted that neither roadblocks nor state intimidation would stop him from campaigning, telling residents, “Don’t fear those small crowds sent here to sell you fear.”
He assured supporters that such tactics would only strengthen Masikonde’s chances, boldly proclaiming, “Masikonde will win. These theatrics will see him win in the morning.”
But the rally took a dangerous turn moments after Gachagua invited Masikonde to speak. As the DCP candidate began addressing the crowd, teargas canisters exploded, triggering panic, screams, and mass stampedes.
Video footage from the scene captured smoke engulfing the gathering and residents running in all directions. The clip was shared with the caption: “Public Engagement in Narok amidst teargas and bullets.”
The abrupt chaos cut short the event, leaving supporters shaken and raising fresh questions about the security dynamics surrounding the heated by-election.
The Narok Township Ward race has drawn unusual national interest following the death of MCA Lukas Kudate on February 16, 2024, after a prolonged illness.
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has fronted Kanyinke Ole Kudate, the firstborn son of the late MCA. Despite having kept a low political profile in the past, Kanyinke’s popularity has skyrocketed after several aspirants—among them his stepmother Sarah Kudate and Jubilee hopeful Alfred Saruni—withdrew to support him.
DCP candidate Douglas Masikonde, however, remains a formidable challenger, gaining momentum thanks to Gachagua’s aggressive campaigning and the growing dissent against the alleged heavy-handed police presence.
With teargas, alleged political intimidation, and rapidly shifting alliances dominating headlines, the Narok Township Ward by-election has morphed into a dramatic showdown between government-backed forces and the resurging Gachagua-led opposition wave.
As the clock ticks toward polling day, one thing is clear: Narok is now the epicenter of Kenya’s newest political storm.
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