NAIROBI, Kenya- Former Deputy President and Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has launched a fresh attack on President William Ruto, accusing his administration of failing to rein in criminal gangs and alleging that rogue police officers are working alongside armed groups to terrorise Kenyans.
In a lengthy statement on Tuesday, Gachagua questioned President Ruto’s directive ordering security agencies to crack down on criminal gangs, arguing that the country’s insecurity stems from what he described as collaboration between rogue police officers and armed gangs.
“The problem in Kenya is not goons. It is rogue police officers working with goons to terrorise Kenyans,” Gachagua said.
He further accused Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo of overseeing a security system that he claimed had abandoned its constitutional mandate.
Renews Claims Over Ol Kalou Violence
Gachagua once again referenced the July 16 Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, where violence disrupted voting in several polling stations.
He claimed heavily armed hooded men operated for hours during the exercise despite the deployment of thousands of security officers.
The former deputy president alleged that plainclothes armed men carrying automatic rifles and tear gas launchers intimidated voters and attacked civilians during the by-election.
He further claimed that despite investigations having been launched by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), no arrests had been made nearly a week after the incidents.
The DCI has since confirmed that investigations are ongoing into the violence, saying detectives are analysing forensic evidence, digital material and witness statements to identify those responsible.
Alleges State Protection for Perpetrators
Gachagua also alleged that individuals behind the Ol Kalou violence were enjoying protection from senior government officials, although he did not provide evidence to support the claims.
He further alleged that the same group had previously been involved in violent incidents in the Mt Kenya region.
The former deputy president also claimed that investigators had informed him that previous investigations into alleged attacks had not progressed because of political interference.
Those claims have not been independently verified, and the government has not publicly responded to the allegations.
Challenges Ruto’s Security Record
The DCP leader questioned whether President Ruto remained in control of the country’s security apparatus, arguing that Kenya’s security challenges could undermine investor confidence and tourism.
He urged the President to take decisive action against criminal elements within the security sector instead of issuing public directives against gangs.
The latest remarks add to an escalating war of words between Gachagua and the Kenya Kwanza administration following the fiercely contested Ol Kalou by-election, which saw the DCP candidate defeat the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate by a wide margin.
The government has previously maintained that security agencies operate independently and has pledged that all those found responsible for election-related violence will be held accountable once investigations are complete.