NAIROBI, Kenya-Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has launched a scathing attack on Inspector General Douglas Kanja, accusing the National Police Service of failing to curb violence and alleging collusion between police officers and criminal gangs.
In a strongly worded statement, Gachagua questioned whether Kanja is fully in control of the police service, claiming that “goons” have become embedded within security operations under his leadership.
Allegations of police misconduct
The DCP leader alleged that police officers, alongside criminal elements, attacked civilians at ACK Witima Church in Othaya, targeting worshippers, including women and children.
He further claimed that vehicles were damaged and that tear gas and live ammunition were used during the incident.
Gachagua also referenced an incident in Kikuyu, where he alleged that police officers failed to stop criminal activity along the Nakuru Highway and Southern Bypass, instead accusing them of protecting perpetrators and later using force against members of the public.
He further claimed that a group of hooded and heavily armed officers had been deployed in Dagoretti ahead of his planned meeting, alleging that the same unit had been involved in earlier incidents.
Gachagua questioned whether the police command had been compromised, asking if the service had been “surrendered to politicians” or turned into what he described as a “criminal gang.”
No official response yet
The National Police Service had not immediately responded to the allegations at the time of publication.
The remarks come amid heightened political tensions and renewed scrutiny over police conduct during public gatherings.
In recent months, human rights organisations have raised concerns over excessive use of force and accountability within law enforcement, though police leadership has consistently denied any collaboration with criminal gangs.
