MERU, Kenya — Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has revealed that a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado recently donated to him by supporters from Meru County was attacked with stones during the Ol Kalou by-election campaign, saying the incident illustrates the increasingly hostile environment surrounding opposition political activities.
Speaking during a televised interview with Meru-based media stations on Sunday night, Gachagua said the vehicle was not his personal property but a campaign asset purchased through community contributions after several of his vehicles were damaged following his exit from government.
According to the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader, the Prado was immediately deployed for campaign work and later came under attack while supporting his party’s candidate during the Ol Kalou by-election.
“That vehicle was in Ol Kalou. It was even hit with stones. It is not my personal vehicle that I move around in every day. It is a vehicle for the work of the community,” Gachagua said.
The former Deputy President used the interview to explain the circumstances under which he received the vehicle, dismissing suggestions that it had been donated by a handful of wealthy benefactors.
Instead, he described it as a collective contribution from ordinary supporters who wanted to help sustain his political activities after leaving office.
“Since I left government, four of my vehicles were damaged. Five days later, members of the community brought me about six vehicles,” Gachagua said.
He added that he no longer receives a government salary and now relies largely on the goodwill of supporters who believe in his political agenda.
“People who support the work I am doing said I have no job and no salary, yet I am working to defend the interests of the community. The community decided to help me because they saw the work was demanding.”
The Prado was officially handed over earlier this month during a ceremony hosted by Meru lawyer and businessman Mugambi Imanyara at his home in Ithimbari.
At the time, Imanyara said the initiative had been organised by members of the Meru community who wanted to ensure that repeated attacks on Gachagua’s convoy did not disrupt his political engagements across the country.
During Sunday’s interview, Gachagua confirmed that Imanyara had coordinated the fundraising after being approached by members of the community.
“Yes, he led them. He is a good leader. They approached him because many of my relatives live around his area and they know he is my friend. They told him to find me so they could buy the vehicle and hand it over to me.”
The former Deputy President said the Prado has since become part of his campaign fleet rather than serving as his personal means of transport.
Its reported stoning during the Ol Kalou by-election, he argued, reflects broader challenges facing opposition politicians as political competition intensifies ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The Ol Kalou by-election formed part of Gachagua’s expanding nationwide mobilisation under the DCP banner.
The party ultimately won the seat, providing an early political boost for Gachagua’s newly formed movement.
Throughout the campaign, however, Gachagua repeatedly alleged that his supporters were subjected to intimidation and attacks.
The government has consistently rejected those accusations.
Political observers note that allegations of violence and intimidation have increasingly featured in Kenya’s political discourse as parties position themselves ahead of the next general election.
Although isolated clashes and attacks have occasionally accompanied by-elections and political rallies, authorities have repeatedly urged leaders and supporters to conduct campaigns peacefully.
Also Read: Ol Kalou by-election: DCP’s landslide win signals trouble for UDA ahead of 2027
Beyond discussing the campaign vehicle, Gachagua also defended his recent remarks advising foreign tourists to postpone travel to Kenya.
Referring to the 1988 killing of British wildlife photographer Julie Ward in the Maasai Mara, he argued that a major security incident involving international visitors could inflict lasting damage on Kenya’s tourism industry.
His comments sparked sharp criticism from government officials, who accused him of undermining the country’s image abroad.
Despite the criticism, Gachagua maintained that his remarks were intended to highlight the importance of safeguarding Kenya’s international reputation rather than discouraging tourism permanently.
As Kenya’s political temperature continues to rise ahead of the 2027 elections, the former deputy president’s latest account of attacks on campaign vehicles is likely to add further momentum to the already heated debate over political tolerance, security and the conduct of election campaigns.
