The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) has condemned what it terms as increasing State-sponsored intimidation and police brutality against its leaders and supporters during public engagements across the Rift Valley.

Led by Senators John Methu and Karungo wa Thang’wa, the DCP grassroots mobilisation efforts and public forums in various counties have repeatedly ended in clashes with police.

According to the party, the confrontations have escalated since Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua travelled to the US.

In several incidents, including rallies held in Gilgil, police reportedly used tear gas and even live ammunition to disperse crowds attending the opposition-led forums.

In Gilgil town, one person was reportedly shot in the leg during a disrupted DCP event.

Speaking in Gilgil, senators Methu and Thang’wa criticised what they described as a deliberate campaign by the government to suppress dissent and stifle opposition voices.

“We will not be intimidated into silence,” said Methu. “We are going to continue engaging the people and challenging President William Ruto’s leadership style, no matter the consequences.”

The senators questioned the unequal treatment of political gatherings, noting that Deputy President Kithure Kindiki had held an uninterrupted government empowerment meeting in Njoro and Molo, while opposition events faced violent police disruption.

Geoffrey Mwangi Gitau, a Nakuru governor hopeful and former NHIF CEO, was among those caught up in the chaos in Gilgil.

Strengthening resolve

“Police were heavily mobilised to disrupt our rally. Are we in a police state?” Mwangi asked, visibly shaken. “No amount of threats will deter us from holding peaceful engagements ahead of the 2027 general election.”

Mwangi accused President Ruto and Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen of weaponising the police to settle political scores, saying that the growing threats against DCP members, especially for their support of former Deputy President Gachagua, were only strengthening their resolve.

Dr Peter Mbae, the DCP Secretary for Planning and Economic Affairs, accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of orchestrating a return to a one-party state through repression and fear tactics.

“The use of excessive force against innocent citizens who merely show up to listen to their leaders should be condemned in the strongest terms possible,” said Mbae.

As political temperatures rise in Nakuru County, the region is once again emerging as a critical battleground ahead of the 2027 polls.

With over one million registered voters, Nakuru holds significant weight in shaping the national political landscape.

Last week, Governor Susan Kihika sought to rally all Nakuru-based elected leaders under one umbrella.

Senator Tabitha Karanja and Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara were notably absent, signalling growing cracks within the ruling party’s regional bloc.

Kihara, a close ally of Gachagua, has become the de facto leader of the DCP party faction in the region.

In a show of political force, Kihika has endorsed Nakuru Town East MP David Gikaria to succeed Senator Tabitha Karanja in the Senate, openly labelling the incumbent senator as “incompetent” and “clueless.”

Prolonged battle

Karanja, who once campaigned alongside Kihika, has found herself increasingly sidelined, accusing Kihika’s administration of mismanagement and corruption

Meanwhile, the once-dominant Jubilee Party has maintained a low profile as it attempts to rebuild following a prolonged legal battle over party leadership.

Party insiders hint at a strategic comeback, although concrete plans remain under wraps. With 11 constituencies and 55 wards, Nakuru County is set to witness a heated and multi-layered political contest.

Mounting political tensions, allegations of police overreach, and increasing defiance from opposition leaders, Nakuru is poised to play a central role in what is shaping up to be a fiercely contested 2027 election.