Gachagua accuses Ruto Government of using ‘goons’ to disrupt politics
Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua Saturday accused President William Ruto’s administration of deploying criminal gangs to suppress dissent and interfere with political activities.
In a strongly worded statement, Gachagua alleged that “goonism” has become an operational strategy of the government, claiming that criminal groups are now working alongside the National Police Service to intimidate opponents and ordinary citizens.
He further claimed that Kenya’s recent police deployment to Haiti was used as a “benchmarking mission” for cooperation between law enforcement and gangs, rather than a peacekeeping effort.
Gachagua accused Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo of orchestrating the alleged operations, claims he said were corroborated by unnamed police officers.
The former Deputy President also linked National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah to an alleged plan to disrupt his political meeting in Kikuyu Constituency.
According to Gachagua, suspected gangs blocked roads leading to Kikuyu early Saturday morning, setting fires, placing rocks on roads, and attacking motorists.
He claimed the attackers chanted opposition slogans to disguise their alleged links to the state.
He further alleged that police delayed responding to the incident, arriving only after residents had dispersed the attackers and restored calm.
Gachagua praised local residents for organizing themselves to protect businesses and maintain order, while accusing police of “abdicating their duties.”
Hired goons blocked roads in Kikuyu on Saturday ahead of a planned rally. They lit bonfires and hijacked two lorries that they used to block the roads in chaos.
It took the arrival of police to disperse the group from the roads.
Gachagua called on Inspector General Douglas Kanja to ensure law enforcement officers remain neutral and do not interfere with his planned rally.
Despite the tensions, Gachagua urged his supporters to attend his scheduled meeting in Kikuyu, insisting that the situation had stabilized.
The government and the individuals named in the allegations had not immediately responded to the claims by the time of publication.