The New Democrats (TND) party leader Thuo Mathenge has called for a political truce between former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi, both natives of Mathira constituency, amid rising tensions that recently turned violent in Karatina, Nyeri County.

“We've heard inflammatory statements that, if unchecked, could plunge the country into a crisis similar to what we saw in 2007/2008,” said Mr Mathenge, who also chairs the Board of the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation. 

“The people who fought in Karatina are brothers and sisters who have lived together peacefully for generations. This is a dangerous path we are on.”

Mr Mathenge appealed for restraint, urging leaders to resolve their differences privately and avoid dragging the public into political feuds.

“If you have personal issues, lock yourselves in a room and settle them. Don’t drag the people of Nyeri into political quarrels,” he said. “We must choose peace over violence.”

Tensions between Gachagua and Wamumbi reached a boiling point this week when supporters from both camps clashed in Karatina town, leaving several people injured and disrupting business operations in the usually busy town centre.

On Tuesday, residents took to the streets in protest over what they termed as political persecution of Mr Gachagua by President William Ruto’s administration. 

Mr Gachagua, now the party leader of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), has come under growing political pressure in recent weeks.

The demonstrations escalated after Mr Wamumbi and his supporters arrived, triggering violent confrontations with Gachagua’s backers.

“I want to categorically state that we, the residents of Mathira, will not allow anyone to disrupt business or incite violence in Karatina,” said Mr Wamumbi amid the chaos.

“There are individuals trying to stir unrest. We won’t allow it--this is a peaceful town.”

He also dismissed Mr Gachagua’s claims that police had attempted to arrest him at his Wamunyoro home.

“That’s a lie meant to mislead hardworking Kenyans,” Mr Wamumbi said, urging leaders to pursue lawful channels when addressing grievances.

Although protests spread briefly to parts of Othaya, Tetu, and Nyeri Town constituencies, no additional violence was reported.

Meanwhile, Mumias East MP Peter Salasya, on a tour of the Mt Kenya region, condemned the police response and urged security agencies to remain neutral.

“The office of the Inspector General of Police, led by Douglas Kanja, is constitutionally mandated to protect citizens, but not terrorize them,” Mr Salasya said during a stop-over in Nyeri town.

“If the DCI must arrest a political leader, let due process be followed. Issue summons, not dramatic ambushes. We are leaders, not criminals.”

Adding to the outcry, DCP Nyeri County Coordinator Wanyaga Gathaka claimed the government had planned to arrest Mr Gachagua, triggering the protests.

“Residents turned out in large numbers because they believed Gachagua was being unfairly targeted by the Kenya Kwanza regime,” said Mr Gathaka.

“Mr Wamumbi arrived with his supporters and disrupted what was initially a peaceful protest.”

Mr Gathaka also dismissed Mr Mathenge’s calls for peace as opportunistic.

“Mr Thuo Mathenge should focus on growing his political party. Yes, he serves in the current administration, but he should direct his energy toward party-building instead of lecturing Mr Gachagua,” he said.

The situation in Nyeri has raised broader concerns about political stability within the Kenya Kwanza alliance, with observers warning that unchecked intra-party rivalry could have long-term implications for the region’s unity and national cohesion.

As tensions simmer, calls for dialogue and restraint continue to mount. Whether the two leaders heed the appeals for peace remains to be seen.