Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has publicly condemned Inspector General (IG) Douglas Kanja for what he termed “irresponsibility”.
In a statement posted on February 16 on his X account, Gachagua said IG Kanja has resorted to hiding rather than facing the opposition leaders.
“Despite scheduling an appointment with leaders of the United Opposition to review and track progress on critical issues such as police brutality, church attacks, and violence against women and children, he chose the convenience of a hide-and-seek game, subjecting us to interactions with junior police officers,” the statement read in part.
According to Gachagua, the refusal of IG Kanja to address the continued violent attacks is a deliberate strategy to shield the perpetrator.
The former deputy president stated that IG Kanja is normalising impunity and the escalation of attacks across the nation.
Gachagua also called out the police, who are intimidating the citizens instead of serving and protecting them, as stated by the law.
“The police service exists to serve the people of Kenya, not to intimidate them. The law must apply equally to all. Service must be our earnest endeavour—service to the Constitution, service to the people,” he added.
Additionally, he expressed that despite Kanja avoiding them, they will not give up and will continue until the issue is resolved.
“We will return to your office. You can run, but you will not hide, Mr Kanja Douglas,” Rigathi said.
Rigathi Attacks
The former deputy president has faced several attacks, which he claims are driven by political interests.
Planned attacks on the churches sparked an uproar over the disrespect of the sanctity of the place of worship.
Churches under attack included the PCEA church in Mwiki, Kariobangi, and ACK Witima. Gachagua called for swift action against the perpetrators.
Gachagua calls for the arrest and legal punishment of officers who were involved in the January 25 attack at ACK Witima in Nyeri.
Also Read: Rigathi Gachagua Goes Missing
Speaking at Zimmerman Church, Gachagua said that a member of parliament involved in the attack is known, yet no action has been taken.
Among the people named to execute the attack in Witima included Major Nicholas Mwachovi, Cpl John Maina alias Birash, Cpl Vincent Maronga, Peter Matu, Owen Kagia, David Ochieng, Erick Obiero, Jeff Mutwiri, Jackson Kioko, Kefa Okwoyo, Crispin Walumbe Muthoni, Stephen Habire Chege, Peter Wainaina Kabuga, Ambrose Manyeki Njeri alias Magrass, and Simon Mwangi Wangari alias Sanchez.
The opposition wrote a detailed letter to the National Security Advisory Council regarding the 23 attacks on Gachagua that occurred between 2024 and 2026.
The attacks were allegedly committed by police officers of groups that had support from the police.
Also Read: UDA Schedules Election Dates for Mbeere Ahead of Another Looming Kindiki-Gachagua Showdown
Police Attack on ODM Rally
Kitengela residents who attended the Linda Mwananchi rally on February 15, led by the Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, were teargassed.
Edwin Sifuna stated that the supporters in the rally were peaceful, and the police actions caused the people’s agitation and panic.
Sifuna accused the police of being sponsored to cause commotion at a peaceful political rally.
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