By James Murimi - Reporter
Kenya, August 18, 2026 - Former Nyeri Town MP Ngunjiri Wambugu has warned the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) against intimidation and political violence as the party led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua steps up its campaigns in the Mt Kenya region ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Wambugu, a Jubilee Party leader seeking to reclaim the Nyeri Town parliamentary seat on the party’s ticket, said DCP was free to campaign in the constituency but cautioned its leaders and supporters against treating Nyeri as a political preserve of any particular party.
Speaking to the media at his Nyeri Town office on Tuesday morning, Wambugu said all political formations should be allowed to sell their policies and present their candidates to voters before the electorate makes its choice.
“We respect him but we do not fear him,” Wambugu said of Gachagua, adding that respect for political leaders should not be confused with fear or submission.
His remarks came as DCP leaders and supporters visited Nyeri Town for political engagements, with the former MP insisting that the constituency remained open to all parties.
“As Jubilee, we stand with the Constitution of Kenya, which establishes ours as a multi-party democracy. This principle applies just as strongly to opposition politics,” he said.
Wambugu said no individual, party or political formation should claim exclusive political ownership of Nyeri Town, Nyeri County or the wider Mt Kenya region.
He challenged political parties, including DCP, UDA, ODM, PNU, DP, PLP, PPK, Wiper and DAPK, as well as independent candidates, to compete on the basis of policies, leadership records and their vision for the country.
“Everyone should come. Present your candidates. Present your policies. Present your record. Present your vision. Present your case,” he said.
The former MP also raised concern over reports that DCP could deploy supporters to “protect” itself during its Nyeri campaigns, linking the concerns to violence witnessed during recent political activities in Homa Bay.
Wambugu said such a move would be unnecessary in Nyeri Town, which he described as a peaceful constituency.
“This is what makes the implication that DCP will come with goons to ‘protect’ itself today, as stated by their Kieni aspirant, Kanini Kega, worrying. We do not know about Kieni, but Nyeri Town is a peaceful town,” he said.
He warned that outsiders should not be brought into the constituency to cause violence, intimidate residents or disrupt businesses and normal life during political campaigns.
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“Political competition MUST NOT make us enemies. We can disagree strongly, campaign vigorously and compete for every vote while still respecting each other and protecting the peace and unity of our people,” he said.
Wambugu said strong political movements should welcome competition rather than seek to suppress it, urging parties to allow voters to make independent choices without threats or intimidation.
The Jubilee leader said his party was also preparing to roll out an extensive campaign programme in Mt Kenya, with its presidential candidate Fred Matiang’i expected to lead engagements with voters and aspirants.
He said Jubilee was holding a strategy meeting in Limuru bringing together Mt Kenya aspirants before embarking on a regional tour.
“As a party we are proud of our track record, and we have a good presidential candidate. We also know how to present our case to the people of Kenya confidently, even as we defend the democratic right of every other party to do exactly the same,” he said.
Wambugu, who is seeking to return to Parliament in 2027, said the region’s voters were politically conscious and capable of evaluating competing candidates at every level, from MCA to the presidency.
He also congratulated Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro on his decision to launch the People’s Party of Kenya (PPK), saying the new party would widen political choices ahead of the 2027 elections.
“As Jubilee we welcome The People’s Party of Kenya to the Kenyan political space. Its presence will expand the political choices available to Kenyans, and having options is always a good thing,” he said.
Wambugu concluded with a direct message to DCP supporters: “Karibuni Nyeri Town wana DCP. Campaign freely. Campaign peacefully. Campaign on ideas. Avoid insults, violence and threats.”
He added: “Hakuna mtu anamiliki kura za watu. Kura ni za wananchi.”