NAIROBI, Kenya — Former Deputy President and Democratic Change Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has revealed that organized groups were deployed to disrupt his planned political rally in Kikuyu constituency, claims that could not be independently verified.
In a statement, Gachagua accused unnamed political actors of orchestrating violence and using goons to intimidate his supporters ahead of the rally scheduled for later in the day.
“As well captured by the two leading dailies, goonism has become the operational module for Mr. William Ruto’s administration,” Gachagua said in his statement, leveling serious allegations against the government.
He stated that after a group of armed goons wreaked havoc along the Kikuyu bypass for two hours.
He said the early morning disruptions in Kikuyu, including blocked roads, burning barricades and attacks on motorists, were part of an effort to frustrate his political gathering.
According to Gachagua, the incidents lasted for hours before members of the public intervened to restore order, after which police arrived later in the morning. Authorities have not confirmed this timeline.
The former Deputy President also said that security officers have increasingly failed to act decisively during such incidents, forcing civilians to step in to restore calm.
He urged Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to ensure neutrality of security agencies and protection for all political groups during public events.
He further appealed to his supporters to attend the planned rally, insisting that adequate security arrangements had been made.
“Ordinary Kenyans have taken over police duties and are currently guarding Business premises in Kikuyu town and making sure goons are not allowed in the town to loot property and cause mayhem. It is a shame that the police at the behest of a politician and a rogue administration, have abdicated their duties forcing citizens to step in,” he said.
There has been an increased use of goons by political actors across the country.
