Police in Embu have summoned four bloggers for allegedly alleged to have made threatening social-media communications directed toward former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. The summoning comes amid heightened political tensions ahead of the by-election in Mbeere North.
The bloggers are accused of issuing statements against Gachagua after he revealed his intention to campaign for candidate Newton Kariuki in the upcoming Mbeere North MP by-election.
The summons were confirmed by Embu County Commissioner Jack Obuo, who said the bloggers are required to appear before investigators to explain the context of their recent social-media activity.
According to officials, the online posts circulated shortly after Gachagua announced that he would be visiting Embu to campaign for Newton Kariuki, a candidate in the upcoming Mbeere North by-election set for later this month. Some of the statements shared online were reportedly interpreted as hostile or threatening, prompting authorities to intervene.
Commissioner Obuo stated that the primary goal of the summons is to understand the intent behind the bloggers’ messages. He emphasized that investigators want clarity on whether the posts were meant to intimidate Gachagua or influence public perception ahead of his political tour. He further noted that Embu remains calm and secure, urging residents not to be swayed by misleading content circulating online.
The bloggers are expected to record statements with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), after which authorities will determine whether further action will be taken.
The incident comes at a politically sensitive moment, with tensions rising in the region as candidates and their supporters intensify campaigns ahead of the Mbeere North by-election.
As of now, the identities of the bloggers have not been disclosed, and the nature of the specific posts under investigation remains unclear. Authorities say more information will be released once the bloggers have been questioned.