NAIROBI, Kenya- DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua says he has undertaken weapons and basic combat practice in Texas and arranged self-defence training for his wife, Reverend Dorcas, citing concerns about violence during political engagements in Kenya.
The former deputy president said he used part of his United States visit to refresh skills he acquired earlier in his career while serving in the security sector.
“While in Texas I have taken time to practice and sharpen my skills in weaponry and basic combat skills that I learnt in my earlier life while serving in the security sector,” Gachagua said in a statement.
He linked the decision to what he described as difficult conditions back home, where political activities face the threat of organised violence.
Dorcas joins training
Gachagua said he wanted his wife to acquire basic skills to protect herself.
Describing “goonism” as “a way of life”, he said he had taken advantage of the US visit to arrange the training for Reverend Dorcas.
The statement did not specify the techniques she was taught or whether her self-defence lessons included weapons handling.
Gachagua also did not identify the training facility, the instructors or the duration of the sessions.
Two MPs accompany the couple
Embakasi Central MP Benjamin Gathiru, popularly known as MejjaDonk, and Embakasi North MP James Gakuya joined the practice, according to Gachagua. Both lawmakers represent constituencies in Nairobi.
The DCP leader said the sessions would leave his team stronger and better prepared for challenges during their interactions with Kenyans.
He described the objective as being “well prepared for any eventuality”.
However, his statement did not identify a specific threat or incident that prompted the training. It also did not name anyone he held responsible for the violence he referred to.
Training during US visit
The practice took place during Gachagua’s visit to the United States, where he has been engaging Kenyans living abroad.
In an earlier update, he announced that he had arrived in Dallas, Texas, accompanied by Reverend Dorcas, to continue meeting Kenyans and building networks for collaboration.
His latest statement brought personal security into the discussion around those engagements, with the former deputy president presenting the training as preparation for the political challenges facing his team back home.
He ended with a message to supporters.
“But all in all, The Future is Green. God Bless Kenya.”
