NAIROBI, Kenya- Former Deputy President and Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has accused President William Ruto’s administration of encouraging political violence after his convoy was attacked during his tour of Nakuru.
Gachagua claimed a group of armed youths attacked his convoy in Kaptembwa, Nakuru Town West Constituency, using axes, rocks and other crude weapons while police officers allegedly watched.
The former Deputy President said the incident exposed what he described as a contradiction between government statements against political goonism and the reality on the ground.
“When Mr William Ruto and Mr Kipchumba Murkomen said goons would not be allowed anywhere in the country, it was just another lie, the usual lip service and political posturing,” Gachagua said.
“They cannot do without goons.”
The claims come a day after Gachagua’s convoy was attacked in Nakuru, with images showing vehicles in his motorcade with shattered windscreens and rear windows.
Gachagua blames Kihika, Arama
Gachagua specifically accused Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika and Nakuru Town West MP Samuel Arama of organising and financing the alleged attackers.
“Goons organized and paid by Susan Kihika and Samuel Arama attacked our convoy at Kaptembwa, in Nakuru Town West Constituency, with axes, rocks and other crude weapons as police watched,” he said.
The allegations have not been independently established, and the accused leaders’ responses to the latest claims were not immediately available.
The incident has further escalated the political tensions surrounding Gachagua’s ongoing mobilisation in Nakuru ahead of the 2027 General Election.
‘No escape route’ for Ruto regime
Gachagua accused the government of resorting to violence because, in his view, it had lost public support and could no longer rely on political competition.
“They think that the only way to stop competition after being abandoned by Kenyans is through the use of violence against opponents and the employment of goons,” he said.
He further warned that the use of violence would not prevent the opposition from campaigning ahead of the 2027 elections.
“But there will be no escape route for this dictatorial regime,” Gachagua said.
He urged Kenyans, tourists, foreign nationals, international dignitaries and investors to recognise what he described as the growing use of political goonism in the country.
Gachagua said the opposition would seek to remove Ruto from power through the ballot on August 10, 2027.
Supporters promise protection
The DCP leader also said his supporters in Nakuru had promised to provide protection for his political activities following the attack.
“Ahead of our public engagements in Nakuru this weekend, our supporters in Njoro, Molo and Rongai have assured us of adequate protection by wananchi,” he said.
The statement raises fresh concerns over the possibility of political confrontations between rival groups as parties intensify mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.
The latest incident also adds to a series of politically charged confrontations involving Gachagua and his allies since his removal from the deputy presidency in 2024.
Government under pressure over political violence
Gachagua’s accusations come amid renewed scrutiny of the government’s handling of political violence and the use of goons during political activities.
President Ruto and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen have previously pledged to prevent political violence and the use of goons, making the Nakuru incident politically significant.
For Gachagua, however, the attack is evidence that government assurances have not translated into action.
The DCP leader said his political activities in Nakuru would continue despite the incident, with engagements planned in Njoro, Molo and Rongai over the weekend.
