Former Deputy President Decries Use of Force Against Political Opponents
Nairobi, Kenya – July 27, 2025 — Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has condemned what he termed a state-sponsored attack on his allies during a meet-the-people tour in Ngonda, Murang’a County on Sunday.
The incident, marked by heavy police presence and violent dispersal, left at least three individuals injured and sparked a flurry of accusations over misuse of law enforcement.
According to Gachagua, police officers blocked the convoy of his supporters at Ngonda Shopping Centre, sparking a confrontation. He accused the government of deploying security agencies to suppress leaders critical of the Kenya Kwanza administration.
“By unleashing state-sponsored militia and rogue police on leaders who are not friendly to you today at Ngonda Shopping Centre in Murang’a on a Sunday, a day of worship, is nothing short of cowardly and ungodly,” Gachagua said in a strongly worded statement.
He called for the immediate arrest and arraignment of the officers involved in the incident and warned that justice would eventually catch up with those misusing state power.
Gunfire and Teargas: Chaos in Murang’a
Among those caught up was Machakos Town MP Victor Munyaka, who alleged that police officers shot at his car.
“Luckily, the driver swerved and just then, three bullets rang into the air, going through my vehicle. I was a target, and I believe that was an attempted assassination,” Munyaka claimed, visibly shaken by the encounter.
Munyaka and several other MPs had attended a church service at AIPCA Kahuro in Kamukabi, Kigumo constituency, before attempting to address locals at Kamukabi shopping centre—only to be confronted by a heavy police presence and blocked routes.
Senator John Methu of Nyandarua also spoke out, describing the use of force as excessive. He claimed police attempted to redirect them toward an ambush, and when he tried to de-escalate the situation, officers responded with teargas.
“They were trying to direct us to another road where more goons were waiting for us,” Methu said. “When I tried to engage them peacefully, they lobbed teargas canisters at us. The damage to our vehicles is unprecedented.”
Repeat of Subukia Incident Raises Alarm
Sunday’s confrontation comes just a week after another incident in Subukia, Nakuru County. On July 20, Gachagua’s allies—led by DCP deputy party leader Cleophas Malala and Senator John Methu—were blocked from holding a rally and dispersed using teargas.
In both cases, police reportedly erected roadblocks and used force to frustrate the leaders’ efforts to address the public.
Despite the initial disruption in Subukia, the leaders eventually managed to hold a rally, highlighting growing tensions between opposition politicians and the state.
Rising Concerns Over Political Intimidation
The back-to-back confrontations have drawn widespread concern over the shrinking space for political dissent in Kenya. Gachagua’s supporters argue the incidents point to a broader pattern of intimidation aimed at silencing alternative voices.
In response, the former Deputy President reiterated his commitment to pursuing justice for what he called “unprovoked attacks on democratic freedoms.” He cautioned security agencies against being used as tools of political repression.
“The Constitution protects all Kenyans. The right to assemble and speak must never be subject to political favour,” he said.
As calls mount for accountability, all eyes are now on the state to either de-escalate tensions or brace for continued backlash from opposition leaders and civil society.
