Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has formally written to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja demanding concrete security assurances ahead of a political rally planned for Emurua Dikirr in Narok County on Friday, 21 August 2026.
The letter, circulating widely on Thursday morning, underscores growing concerns over political violence in the run-up to the 2027 general election.
Gachagua’s request comes against the backdrop of recent deadly clashes in Homa Bay County during a Linda Mwananchi rally, where goons armed with crude weapons attacked convoys, resulting in deaths, injuries and destruction of property.
In his correspondence, the former DP emphasises the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and calls on the National Police Service to deploy adequate personnel, prevent infiltration by hired goons, and ensure that no political actor is allowed to disrupt the gathering.
Sources close to Gachagua indicate that the rally forms part of his continued mobilisation under the Democracy for Citizens Party and broader opposition realignments following his exit from UDA. The former DP has repeatedly accused the government of using state machinery to intimidate opponents, a charge the administration has denied.
Security experts note that the demand places the police under public scrutiny. Failure to provide visible protection could fuel claims of selective enforcement, while over-deployment risks accusations of intimidation. Narok County has historically experienced ethnic and political tensions, making the Emurua Dikirr event particularly sensitive.
Local leaders in the area have already begun mobilising supporters, raising the stakes. Gachagua’s letter also references past incidents in which opposition events faced roadblocks and attacks, urging Kanja to break the cycle. As of Thursday midday, the Inspector General’s office had not issued a public response.
Political analysts say the move signals Gachagua’s determination to maintain a high-profile presence despite his impeachment and subsequent legal battles. It also highlights the fragile security environment as rival camps intensify grassroots activities more than a year before the polls.
Residents of Narok are watching closely, hoping the rally proceeds without the bloodshed recently witnessed in Homa Bay. The development adds to a series of opposition demands for IEBC and police neutrality. With the 2027 campaign season already heating up, such formal security requests are expected to become more frequent.