Senior political figures have raised alarm over what they described as a coordinated effort by state agencies to arrest former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Reports on 18th May alleged that Kenyan state security agencies launched a coordinated operation to arrest Rigathi Gachagua, with opposition leaders condemning the move as politically motivated.
Cleophas Malala, Deputy Party Leader of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), claimed that officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), General Service Unit (GSU), National Intelligence Service (NIS), and other special forces had raided Gachagua’s residences in Wamunyoro, Mathira, and Karen, attempting to arrest him without clear justification.
Malala condemned the use of disciplined forces to settle political scores, labeling the actions as indicative of a failing regime.
“This evening, officers drawn from the DCI, GSU, NIS and other special forces have raided and illegally occupied my party leader H.E. Rigathi Gachagua’s homes… attempting to arrest him for only God knows what!” Cleophas Malala said in a statement.
Leaders on Gachagua Alleged Arrest
Malala went further to accuse President William Ruto’s administration of weaponizing state institutions to target political opponents.
“I strongly condemn the misuse of our disciplined forces to settle political scores by this failing Ruto regime. No amount of intimidation or dictatorship can stop the inevitable,” he added.
The allegations of illegal occupation were echoed by John Kaguchia, the Member of Parliament for Mukurwe-ini, and a close ally of Gachagua, who condemned the action as an affront to democracy.
“Shame!Shame! Kenya Kwanza Government mobilized a contigent of over 100 masked GSU police to waylay us the Wamunyoro team today at Jogoo Kimakia in Thika as we came from a very successful Church event and road trip in Gatanga Constituency Hosted by Wakili Muriu. The unveilling of a new Political Party has rattled the establishment the wrong way!”
Also Read: Why Nyandarua Potatoes Are Unsafe- Egerton Research
Additionally, Senator of Nyandarua County also weighed in, urging media houses to report on the ongoing situation.
“To all media houses kindly be informed that the DCI has taken hostage of all Rigathi Gachagua’s both at Karen and at Wamunyoro. They are currently man hunting him. We are yet to be informed of the reason,” said the Senator, adding to the growing concern that Gachagua’s arrest is imminent.
The growing political tension has sparked widespread condemnation from opposition leaders, who argue that the raid is an act of intimidation by the current administration under President William Ruto.
The government has yet to respond publicly to the allegations of an attempted arrest, leaving the country on edge.
Post Election Remarks
This comes barely a week after Gachagua suggested that any attempts to manipulate the 2027 election could trigger unrest worse than the violence that left more than 1,000 people dead and displaced hundreds of thousands in 2007-08.
Speaking during an interview on Friday, May 16, Gachagua dismissed allegations that a so-called “deep state” could interfere in the polls, asserting that recent reforms at the polling station level had effectively sealed loopholes for electoral fraud.
“Even if President William Ruto appointed his close allies to head the IEBC, the margin of defeat in 2027 would be too large,” Gachagua said.
Also Read: Gachagua Clarifies 2027 Post Election Violence Remarks
He lauded Kenya’s youth, especially Generation Z as incorruptible and politically awakened, claiming they would not fall prey to tribalism or vote-buying tactics.
“This generation is ready to vote. They’re not interested in the politics of handouts or ethnic loyalties,” Gachagua said.
On the other hand, Deputy President Kindiki Kithure firmly ruled out the possibility of Kenya returning to political violence, even as tensions rise ahead of the 2027 general election.
In a response to Gachagua’s remarks, Kindiki said the country had permanently turned the page on the post-election chaos of 2007-2008.
“Kenya will never return to political violence. Not in 2027, not at any other time in future,” Kindiki declared.
“Our country learnt hard and painful lessons from the 2007/2008 post-election violence. Never again,” he added.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
