(NAIROBI, KENYA) – Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has issued an urgent appeal to the international community to intervene in Kenya following what he describes as state sponsored violence against the political opposition. Speaking during a radio interview on Tuesday morning, the former Mathira Member of Parliament stated that the opposition would no longer tolerate aggression and warned that they would be forced to adopt measures for self defence if the trend continues.
Mr Gachagua noted that the residents of the Mount Kenya region have resolved to resist further provocation. He revealed that he has personally been targeted in over 15 separate attacks, yet the authorities have not made a single arrest to date. Consequently, he stated that his supporters have pledged to protect themselves during future engagements.
The leader of the Democratic Citizens Party (DCP) also issued a stern warning to operators within the public transport sector. He alleged that certain matatu owners are allowing their vehicles to be used for the transportation of organised gangs into the Mount Kenya region to disrupt his political gatherings. This comes as he declared a vigorous political campaign against the administration of President William Ruto within the region. Mr Gachagua announced plans to conduct a series of 60 consultative meetings throughout February and March.
According to the former Deputy President, the current administration has lost its popularity and has resorted to using violence as a tool for political survival. He challenged the government to produce evidence if they believe the opposition is responsible for the unrest, noting that the state possesses the security apparatus required to investigate and prosecute such actions. He further accused President Ruto of failing to uphold his promise that political goons would not be part of the national political landscape.
Mr Gachagua asserted that the administration cannot be allowed to oppress citizens economically and physically without a response. He suggested that the primary objective of the current violence is to intimidate his supporters and discourage them from participating in the 2027 general elections. He emphasised that the international community must closely monitor the deteriorating political situation in Kenya as the country moves toward the next electoral cycle.
During the interview on Kameme FM, Mr Gachagua dismissed claims that the opposition orchestrates attacks on itself to gain public sympathy. He questioned how civilians could access state controlled equipment such as tear gas and firearms. He further alleged that police vehicles and uniformed officers have been observed accompanying the individuals responsible for the disruption of his meetings.
Finally, Mr Gachagua directed criticism toward the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). He accused the electoral body of cowardice and claimed it has failed to condemn violence allegedly sponsored by the government. He referenced the by elections held on 29 November, stating that the commission remained silent while his supporters were assaulted. He concluded that the current electoral commission as constituted is incapable of conducting a free and fair election.
