The Head of Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy Coordination, Dennis Itumbi, has condemned what he described as a growing culture of political intimidation in the Mt. Kenya region following the recently concluded Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election.
In a statement posted on his social media platforms, Itumbi alleged that he assisted in evacuating 20 United Democratic Alliance (UDA) mobilizers from Rurii in Ol Kalou after they reportedly feared for their safety.
According to Itumbi, the group requested to spend the night at a police station, believing it was the safest place following alleged threats. He said he later arranged and paid for hotel accommodation where they are staying as they await calm.
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“There is a troubling new brand of politics taking root in the Mountain. Intimidation, threats and fear,” Itumbi said.
He urged the National Police Service to move swiftly against individuals allegedly involved in violence, threats, or acts of intimidation, emphasizing that all Kenyans should be free to support political parties of their choice without fear.
“No Kenyan should live in fear because of their political beliefs. Democracy thrives on persuasion, not intimidation, on ideas, not threats. The law must protect every Kenyan equally,” he said.
Itumbi further called on political leaders and supporters to embrace peaceful competition, saying elections should not divide communities or turn neighbors into enemies.
“We can compete fiercely at the ballot, shake hands afterwards, and continue building our communities together,” he said, adding that political differences should never be used to justify harassment or violence.
The presidential aide also reflected on previous by-elections, saying political rivals had accepted election outcomes and coexisted peacefully despite fierce campaigns.
“We beat Jofri in other by-elections, we embraced those who lost. Why should anyone be chased because they disagreed and lost on the ballot? Apana,” he said.
The remarks come in the aftermath of the Ol Kalou by-election, which was marked by heightened political competition between the ruling UDA and the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), with both sides making claims of intimidation and isolated incidents of violence during the campaign period.
