Former Deputy President and Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has arrived in Emurua Dikirr Constituency, Narok County, where he paid his respects to the family of the late former MP Johana Ng’eno. Gachagua arrived at the Mogondo home of the late legislator on Friday, August 21, accompanied by political allies, among them Nyandarua Senator John Methu. He was received by Ng’eno’s mother before proceeding to the former MP’s gravesite, where he laid a wreath in his memory.

The visit came a day after Gachagua wrote to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, asking for assurances over the safety of his entourage and supporters ahead of his planned visit to the constituency. In the August 20 letter, Gachagua said he had received information about alleged threats targeting his visit and asked the National Police Service to ensure adequate security for those attending his engagements. Gachagua’s planned tour had attracted attention after he raised concerns over alleged threats from some local political leaders.

The former Deputy President claimed that threats had been recorded and circulated online, warning him and his supporters against travelling to Emurua Dikirr. He subsequently challenged the police leadership to guarantee the safety of his team and members of the public attending the event. The allegations were made by Gachagua and have not been independently established. The police had not publicly confirmed that an organised plan to attack or disrupt his visit existed.

Gachagua had said he was travelling to the constituency at the invitation of Vincent Rotich, the DCP candidate who finished second in the May 14, 2026, Emurua Dikirr parliamentary by-election. He described the planned engagement as a thanksgiving event with DCP supporters and political leaders.

At Mogondo, Gachagua’s visit centred on the late Johana Ng’eno, whom he had previously described as a close friend and political ally. Reports from the scene said Ng’eno’s mother welcomed Gachagua and accompanied him to the gravesite. The former Deputy President removed his cap, stood in silence and laid a wreath on the grave. Gachagua also offered to personally oversee the construction of a grave slab for Ng’eno. He asked the family to provide a design reflecting how they wanted the gravesite completed. Ng’eno, who served as the Emurua Dikirr MP, died in a helicopter crash in Nandi County in February 2026. His death triggered a by-election in the constituency, which was won by UDA candidate David Kipsang Keter.

Gachagua’s visit comes days after he spoke to Ng’eno’s mother by phone through one of his handlers, who had earlier paid a visit to the family home. During the phone conversation, Gachagua promised to personally explain to Ng’eno’s mother what he believed led to her son’s death. He suggested that the incident should not simply be dismissed as a helicopter crash, saying there was more to the circumstances surrounding the death than met the eye. Ng’eno’s mother welcomed the assurance, saying she wanted to know the circumstances surrounding her son’s death.

Gachagua’s presence in Emurua Dikirr also comes as the DCP intensifies its grassroots activities ahead of the 2027 General Election. The party has recently been opening county offices and mobilising supporters in different parts of the country. On Thursday, Gachagua opened the DCP office in Murang’a as part of efforts to expand the party’s structures beyond its established political base. The Emurua Dikirr visit therefore combines a tribute to a former political ally with a broader political engagement by the DCP in Narok.

For now, Gachagua has proceeded with the visit despite the security concerns he raised with the police. His arrival at Mogondo was peaceful, with the initial focus on paying respects to Ng’eno and meeting his family.