Gachagua reaches Narok using village paths after police block convoy

The final day of campaigns for the November 27 by-elections ended in high drama after former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua claimed police blocked him from accessing Narok Town—forcing him and his team to use village paths before joining supporters for their last rally.

Speaking on Monday, Mr Gachagua alleged that “clear instructions” had been issued to stop his convoy from entering Narok, where he was campaigning for the Democratic Change Party (DCP) candidate for Narok Town Ward, Mr Douglas Masikonde.

According to Mr Gachagua, police mounted roadblocks on major routes leading into the town, prompting villagers to guide him through back routes.

“Being a villager, I engaged my fellow villagers who guided me through paths unknown to the police,” he said.

He described his arrival in the town as a “triumphant entry,” claiming thousands of DCP supporters welcomed him.

There was no immediate response from the police or the Ministry of Interior regarding the alleged obstruction.

Mr Gachagua accused the government of attempting to disrupt opposition campaigns, saying: “No amount of blood money, police brutality or excessive force will intimidate the people. The will of the people shall never be subverted.”

As the campaigns closed, similar scenes of heightened political activity were visible across the country, especially in Magarini and Kasipul, where major parties staged their last push for votes.

In Magarini Constituency, Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir defended ODM’s strategy, saying the party had run a clean and people-centred campaign.

“Our opponents have sensed defeat and that is why they are resorting to wild claims and excuses,” he said during a press briefing.

“We have engaged communities, listened to their aspirations and stood firmly on the values ODM has championed for generations.”

Mr Nassir urged supporters to turn out in large numbers on Thursday and appealed to security agencies to ensure a peaceful and credible vote.

“Authorities must preserve peace, and IEBC must guarantee a free, fair and credible election befitting the will of the people,” he said.

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka also campaigned in Magarini and said the momentum on the ground was unmistakably in favour of the party’s candidate, Mr Stanley Karisa Kenga.

“From Ngalula to Adu to Marereni, the voice of Magarini is clear,” he said.

He was accompanied by WPF Secretary General Senator Shakila Abdallah and Nyali MP Mohamed Ali, who said the energy of the campaigns signalled a “decisive wave.”

Meanwhile, in Homa Bay, Governor Gladys Wanga closed campaigns for the Kasipul ward seat at Obisa Grounds, describing the race as a fight for the constituency’s future.

She rallied residents to back ODM candidate Boyd Were, saying:
“We are standing for tolerance, justice and the non-negotiable priority of quality education. On Thursday, let us unite and make our voice heard.”

The IEBC has assured Kenyans that all materials for the by-elections have been distributed and security has been enhanced in all affected areas.

Campaigns ended officially on Monday evening, setting the stage for Thursday’s vote in hotspots across the country.