Head of Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy Coordination Dennis Itumbi has raised concerns over what he described as a growing culture of political intimidation in the Mt. Kenya region following the Ol Kalou by-election.
In a statement shared on his X account, Itumbi claimed he was forced to evacuate 20 UDA mobilizers from Rurii in Ol Kalou after they received threats and feared for their safety.
According to Itumbi, the mobilizers were so shaken that their only request was to spend the night at a police station, believing it was the only place where they would be safe.
He said he instead arranged and paid for hotel accommodation, where they remain as they await calm.
“There is a troubling new brand of politics taking root in the Mountain. Intimidation, threats and fear,” Itumbi wrote.
He urged the National Police Service to move swiftly against those instigating violence, issuing threats, and terrorizing fellow citizens.
“No Kenyan should live in fear because of their political beliefs. Democracy thrives on persuasion, not intimidation, on ideas, not threats,” he stated.
Itumbi also called for peaceful political competition, saying elections should never divide communities or turn neighbours into enemies.
“We beat Jofri in other by-elections. We embraced those who lost. Why should anyone be chased because they disagreed and lost at the ballot?” he posed.
