Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has made serious allegations against President William Ruto’s administration, claiming it is facilitating the use of criminal gangs to suppress dissent and intimidate political opponents.
In a strongly worded statement echoed by two leading Kenyan dailies, Gachagua alleged that “goonism has become the operational module” of the current government, accusing it of enabling violence and corruption.
He further claimed that criminal gangs are now operating alongside the police, targeting citizens and leaders opposed to the administration.
“Goons are now part of the National Police Service and work alongside the police in causing chaos and unleashing violence against innocent Kenyans,” Gachagua said.
The former deputy president linked the alleged rise in organized violence to Kenya’s recent police mission to Haiti, claiming it served as a “benchmarking expedition” for cooperation between law enforcement and criminal groups—an assertion that has not been independently verified.
He also accused senior government officials, including Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, of authorizing such operations. No official response from the two officials was immediately available.
Gachagua further alleged that National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah had sought to block his planned political meeting in Kikuyu Constituency.
According to Gachagua, suspected gangs disrupted transport early Friday morning by blocking roads, lighting fires, and attacking motorists.
“At 5am this morning, goons… blocked all roads leading to Kikuyu… robbing and beating motorists,” he said.
He claimed the attackers attempted to disguise their affiliations by chanting opposition slogans, while police were notably absent during the initial hours of the unrest.
Residents reportedly intervened, confronting the attackers and restoring order before police arrived later in the morning.
Gachagua praised local residents for what he described as taking over security responsibilities, saying they had begun guarding businesses and preventing further violence.
“Ordinary Kenyans have taken over police duties… It is a shame that the police… have abdicated their duties,” he stated.
The former deputy president called on Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to ensure neutrality and prevent law enforcement from being used for political purposes.
He maintained that his planned meeting in Kikuyu would proceed peacefully, urging supporters to attend.
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