The National Police Service has denied allegations of bias following claims by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of planned attacks during his campaign in Mbeere North. Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku dismissed the accusations as politically motivated hate speech. Authorities have summoned four bloggers for questioning over alleged threats.
Tensions are rising ahead of the November 27, 2025, by-election for the Mbeere North parliamentary seat in Embu County, Kenya. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, leader of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), accused Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja of bias in a statement issued on November 12, 2025. Gachagua claimed plans to attack him during his four-day campaign tour starting November 16, citing a viral video from two days earlier showing individuals threatening him. He urged Kanja to arrest those involved and ensure a level playing field.
On November 13, the National Police Service (NPS) responded with a statement reaffirming its political neutrality and commitment to maintaining law and order. "The National Police Service remains neutral and is dedicated solely to its duty of maintaining law and order. We are committed to serving all Kenyans impartially and to ensuring that the electoral process is not marred by security concerns," the statement read. The NPS outlined a multifaceted security plan in collaboration with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and cautioned politicians against incitement, violence, or hate speech, promising legal action for violations.
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, a former Mbeere North MP, slammed Gachagua's allegations as theatrics and hate speech aimed at whipping up emotions. In his November 13 statement, Ruku suggested Gachagua should report to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) first. "Gachagua knows well that it is the DCI that is mandated by law to receive, record and investigate complaints made by the public," Ruku said. He accused Gachagua of planning to intensify hate speech against President William Ruto during the visit and emphasized that Mbeere North needs solutions to water, transportation, and educational challenges.
Meanwhile, Embu County Commissioner Jack Obuo confirmed on November 13 that security agencies summoned four bloggers for interrogation by the DCI over threats posted on social media after Gachagua announced his support for candidate Newton Kariuki. "We cannot prosecute anyone before we understand the context in which they gave those statements," Obuo said. The action follows President Ruto's signing of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act 2024 on October 15, 2025, which imposes fines up to Ksh20 million or 10 years imprisonment for communications likely to cause violence.
The IEBC has set campaign hours from 7am to 6pm daily, starting October 8, with independents needing clearance from the Registrar of Political Parties confirming no party membership for three months prior.