NAIROBI, Kenya- Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is reportedly being pursued by detectives, days after warning of potential violence worse than the 2007 post-election crisis should the 2027 presidential elections be rigged.
According to his lawyers, officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) raided his residences in Karen, Nairobi, and Wamunyoro, Nyeri County, in what is being described as a full-scale manhunt.
“To all media houses, kindly be informed that the DCI has taken hostage of all Rigathi Gachagua’s residences, both at Karen and Wamunyoro. They are currently manhunting him. We are yet to be informed of the reason,” lawyer Ndegwa Njiru said.
To all media houses kindly be informed that the DCI has taken hostage of all HE Rigathi Gachagua’s both at Karen and at Wamunyoro. They are currently man hunting him. We are yet to be informed of the reason.@citizentvkenya @KTNNewsKE @MutembeiTV @K24Tv @KamemeTvKenya @tv47news
There has been no official confirmation from police, but government officials have issued stern warnings over the weekend, targeting political leaders they accuse of inciting ethnic hatred and violence.
Murkomen: No One Is Above the Law
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on Sunday warned that the government would deal firmly with inciters, regardless of their political affiliation or past stature.
Speaking during a church service at Nuru Africa Inland Church in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County, Murkomen said law enforcement agencies had been instructed to take swift action against any leader threatening national peace.
“We are committed to ensuring a peaceful and secure nation for all and will not be threatened by anyone thinking we will spare them because of their position,” said Murkomen.
“As a leader, you are elected alone. Why move around with goons of up to 50, disturbing the peace of others—even at funerals?” he posed, in a clear reference to recent events that have rocked parts of the country.
Gachagua umeanza kulia mapema,na wewe sio candidate- Kipchumba Murkomen.
Trans Nzoia County has witnessed a rise in political violence and gang activity, with several funeral ceremonies disrupted.
Authorities say these incidents are linked to rival political camps seeking to assert regional dominance ahead of the next general election.
Kindiki: Stop Ethnic Politics
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who replaced Gachagua following his impeachment, also weighed in on Sunday, describing those stirring ethnic emotions as “retrogressive and unpatriotic.”
Speaking at an interdenominational service in Busia County, Kindiki said the Kenya Kwanza administration is focused on unity and equitable development, not divisive politics.
“Any leader, their political or religious affiliation notwithstanding, inciting or fanning ethnic animosity is unpatriotic and retrogressive,” he said.
“Politicians whipping emotions ahead of the 2027 General Election at the expense of development programmes designed to transform lives from the grassroots are insensitive and anti-people.”
This intimidation of the Opposition must stop. Mr Ruto, if you want to arrest Deputy President @rigathi, do it the right way; follow the law.We are prepared to produce DP Gachagua before the @DCI_Kenya. Please stop abducting Kenyans and their leaders. Abductions are primitive
Kindiki added that the government would continue rolling out transformative projects across all regions, including in agriculture, education, health, water, roads, markets and energy, regardless of political leanings.
He also acknowledged the critical role played by the Church and other religious institutions in fostering peace and development.
Kenya will never return to political violence.Not in 2027, not at any other time in future.Our country learnt hard and painful lessons from the 2007/2008 post election violence.Never again.Henceforth, Kenya’s leadership contests will revolve around who has better ideas
A Tense Political Environment
Gachagua’s remarks have ignited debate across the country, with his critics accusing him of reckless incitement, while his allies claim he is being persecuted for expressing dissent.
Since his impeachment, the former deputy president has increasingly positioned himself as a vocal opposition figure, particularly within the Mount Kenya region.
As of Monday morning, his whereabouts remained unknown. Sources close to him said he had gone into hiding, fearing arrest and possible detention.
Former DP Rigathi Gachagua’s Lawyer Ndegwa Njiru says DCI detectives have taken over the homes of the former DP both in Karen and Wamunyoro.Detectives said to be looking for him.Gachagua was earlier in Muranga where he attended a church service and addressed roadside
The DCI is yet to release a formal statement on the raid or the charges he may face. However, the growing chorus from senior government officials suggests that legal action is imminent.
“We want to embrace politics of decency, where everyone can speak freely and return to their families without fear of violence from hired goons,” Murkomen said.
The incident underscores the fragile nature of Kenya’s political landscape as the 2027 race takes shape, with ethnic mobilisation and populist rhetoric already surfacing.
