Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has broken his silence following violent scenes that marred the launch of his new political outfit, the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP).
The event on Thursday, May 16, in Lavington, Nairobi was thrown into disarray after goons stormed the venue, prompting Gachagua’s security to fire warning shots in the air to disperse the attackers.
Several of the intruders were cornered and roughed up in full view of the media.
In a strongly worded statement issued Thursday evening, the former DP condemned the incident and accused the government of orchestrating a series of targeted attacks against him and his allies.
“Stop sending goons to attack me, my family, and supporters. We have rights and freedoms to enjoy like other Kenyans,” he said. “Like a gentleman, just accept that you lost the trust and support of the people and move on.”
Gachagua speaks after goons disrupt his party launch
The former DP drew parallels between Thursday’s events and previous similar incidents, claiming that a pattern of state-sponsored intimidation has emerged since he was impeached.
He recalled that a November 2024 incident where goons allegedly under police escort had been sent to attack him and mourners during a funeral in Limuru.
In addition, DCP party leader accused the government of “sending the leader of an organized criminal gang whom you have engaged in the mountain to support you” to disrupt a prayer meeting in Nyeri, where his wife and fellow Christians were attacked.
Gachagua also referenced alleged state harassment in December and January.
“In December, the same year, you sent police to throw teargas canisters at me and wananchi during a prayer meeting in Nyandarua County. In January this year, you sent goons under police escort to evict my children from an office they had leased and operated in for five years.”
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He went further to allege that the government sent goons under police escort to attack him and Christians inside PCEA Church last month.
While addressing Thursday’s events, the former DP claimed that the police have been barred from taking action against the culprits.
“Police are complaining that you have stopped them from arresting and prosecuting the culprits in all these incidences. Why don’t you simply accept that you have lost my support and that of my followers and look for support elsewhere?” he posed.
“Doesn’t it bother your conscience that you have resorted to using criminal gangs and goons to intimidate and attack those who no longer support you?”
Gunshots fired
On Thursday, chaos erupted momentarily at the newly launched DCP party headquarters along Musa Gitau Road in Lavington after Gachagua had made his speech.
Also Read: Drama as Gunshots Fired During Gachagua Party Launch
A group of about 100 intruders inched towards the perimeter fence of the venue as police fired in the air to disperse them.
Videos captured the gun-wielding security personnel in civilian clothes firing assault rifles at the stone-throwing intruders.
While unveiling his party, Gachagua branded President William Ruto’s administration ‘despotic regime’ and claimed it had failed to listen to Kenyans’ voice.
“That is why our nation is sinking under heavy and punitive taxation, poor public service delivery, skyrocketing cost of living, poor healthcare, bad policies and poor governance, insecurity and pathological lies among others,” he said.
He announced former UDA secretary general Cleophas Malala as his deputy, former Limuru MP Peter Mwathi as chairman strategy and former Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi as national organising secretary.
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