NAIROBI, Kenya- Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused the state, senior police officers and elected leaders allied to President William Ruto of orchestrating a sustained campaign of violence aimed at eliminating him politically — and physically.
Speaking after chaotic scenes at Witima ACK Church, Gachagua directly fingered Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi and his wife Murang’a Woman Representative Betty Maina, accusing them of planning and supervising what he described as a “government-sanctioned assassination attempt” carried out by police officers and hired goons.
“This attack was by the police. The President and his administration have attempted to assassinate me several times,” Gachagua said, claiming the violence was premeditated and executed with full knowledge of top security officials.
Claims of a sustained campaign
Gachagua said the alleged attempts on his life began shortly after he was forced out of office, which he claimed was achieved through bribery and intimidation.
“After successfully hounding me out of office, the President and his administration have attempted to assassinate me several times,” he said.
He listed a series of incidents which, according to him, demonstrate a pattern of coordinated attacks:
- November 24, 2024 – Limuru: Gachagua said he was attacked, adding that no arrests have been made to date.
- December 24, 2024: He alleged a police officer lobbed a teargas canister at him to create chaos and allow goons to attack him and his supporters.
- April 2024 – Mwiki Church: He said an attack was repelled by members of the public and his security team.
- Attack on his wife: Gachagua said his wife, Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, was also targeted in a separate incident.
- Murang’a County: Leaders allied to him were attacked during a political visit while he was in the US IN 2024.
- Arrival from the United States: He said he was violently confronted and prevented from addressing supporters.
- Kariobangi North Thanksgiving Service: He said women and children were injured during a church event disrupted by goons.
- Gatundu, last Sunday: Gachagua claimed he was attacked by organised gangs while attending a church service.
“These attacks have gone on unchecked,” he said.
Witima ACK Church violence
The former deputy president said Sunday’s incident at Witima ACK Church marked a dangerous escalation.
According to Gachagua, a gang of about 15 police officers, armed with AK‑47 rifles and teargas canisters, stormed the church under the command of two bodyguards attached to the Murang’a Woman Representative.
He alleged the operation was planned at the home of Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi.
“They injured women and children, and hurt many people,” Gachagua said, adding that several worshippers fainted after being exposed to teargas.
He further claimed that one of his vehicles — a Toyota Land Cruiser, registration KDK 002 — was torched, while tyres of other vehicles were deflated, causing extensive damage.
“The goons came in a Nissan matatu belonging to NAMU Shuttle. We have collected spent cartridges. These people had come to kill. They were baying for our blood,” he alleged.
Accusations against police and government
Gachagua questioned the credibility of any internal investigations announced by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen.
“I’ve heard Murkomen saying he is going to investigate. How can police investigate themselves?” he asked.
He said the attackers later retreated to the home of MP Wamumbi, where they were allegedly drinking, while local police officers failed to respond for more than 40 minutes.
“Where were the local police officers when this attack happened? There is nothing to investigate,” he said.
Gachagua accused President Ruto of waging war on the church and suppressing dissent through force.
“He has a serious problem with the Church of Christ,” he said. “William Ruto, we thought you had changed your bad habits.”
Warning of national consequences
In some of his strongest remarks yet, Gachagua warned that continued attacks could plunge the country into instability ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“William Ruto is setting the stage for civil strife,” he said. “Our president has gone rogue. He has panicked because of the impending loss of power in 2027.”
He called on the international community to intervene and urged members of the National Security Council, led by the Chief of Defence Forces and the Director‑General of the National Intelligence Service, to rein in the President.
“If Rigathi Gachagua is assassinated or injured, there will be turmoil in this country. Somebody must talk sense into the president. There is no way he can be president by force,” he said.
Gachagua linked the alleged attacks to his outspoken criticism of corruption, particularly regarding issues affecting Northern Kenya.
“They are using police with live ammunition and teargas. How do police turn against women and children?” he asked.
‘The mountain is lost.’
In a direct political warning to President Ruto, Gachagua said the Mount Kenya region had already turned its back on the administration.
“This mountain is lost, even if you kill Rigathi Gachagua,” he said. “The more you fight us, the more the mountain distances itself from you. People are regretting why they voted for you.”
Despite the violence, he struck a defiant tone, insisting his political movement would continue.
“We shall continue with the journey to liberate this country. God is in control, and all these things will come to an end,” he said.
