NAIROBI, Kenya- Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused President William Ruto of undermining democracy, violating human rights, and fuelling instability in the Horn of Africa.
Speaking at a press conference in Nairobi on Tuesday, the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader issued a statement directed at United Nations Secretary General António Guterres and French President Emmanuel Macron, who are in Kenya for the Africa Forward Summit.
Gachagua claimed President Ruto was using the international gathering to boost his political standing despite mounting domestic criticism.
“The Africa Forward Summit happening in Nairobi is just a sideshow for Mr William Ruto to hoodwink Kenyans,” he said.
The former deputy president accused the government of political repression, enforced disappearances and tolerating violence against critics ahead of the 2027 General Election.
He alleged that Kenya risked descending into instability and compared the situation to Haiti if political tensions continue to rise.
Gachagua also accused the Kenyan administration of involvement in regional conflicts, including the war in Sudan and insecurity in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, though he did not provide evidence for the claims.
He further alleged that foreign nationals linked to conflict zones had been issued Kenyan diplomatic passports through senior government officials.
During the briefing, Gachagua released a list of individuals from Sudan, South Sudan and Zimbabwe whom he claimed had received the documents.
The DCP leader additionally accused the government of cooperating with foreign states in the targeting and deportation of asylum seekers and political dissidents living in Kenya.
Among the cases he cited were those involving Ugandan opposition politician Kizza Besigye, Tanzanian activist Maria Sarungi and Turkish asylum seekers allegedly abducted in Nairobi.
The Kenyan government has previously denied involvement in unlawful abductions or political persecution.
Gachagua also criticised deals between Kenya and France, alleging corruption in the cancellation of a major highway contract initially awarded to French companies.
He accused President Macron of being aware of alleged irregular payments connected to the project, but did not provide evidence to support the allegations.
