NAIEOBI, Kenya- Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has condemned the arrest of Mukurwe-ini MP John Kaguchia, accusing President William Ruto’s administration of using the criminal justice system to manage political competition.
In a statement issued on Monday, Gachagua described the use of arrests against political opponents as a hallmark of “outgoing, cowardly regimes,” arguing that the selective application of the law is counterproductive.
“The use of the criminal justice system to manage politics is synonymous with outgoing, cowardly regimes,” Gachagua said.
He claimed that Kenya’s previous administration had similarly relied on the criminal justice system to suppress dissent and compel support for what he described as an unpopular presidential candidate, but argued that the strategy ultimately failed.
“The 4th Administration was notorious for using the criminal justice system to suppress dissent and force people to support an unpopular candidate. It didn’t work,” he said.
According to Gachagua, repeated arrests of opposition figures only hardened public opinion and increased support for those targeted.
“In fact, the more they did it, the more people of Kenya became hardened, and their resolve grew stronger,” he stated.
The former Deputy President also referenced President Ruto’s time as Deputy President, recalling that Ruto had publicly criticized the arrest of his political allies during the previous administration.
“Mr. William Ruto, then the Deputy President, wondered aloud how foolish the system was and seemed to enjoy every arrest; his harassed foot soldiers became overnight celebrities and darlings of the people. This greatly strengthened his presidential bid,” Gachagua said.
He accused the President of now adopting the same tactics he had previously criticized.
“As President, he is doing exactly what he said at the time was foolish. Has it become more wise?” Gachagua posed.
He further questioned whether occupying State House fundamentally changes the thinking and decision-making of political leaders.
“I am genuinely concerned about what happens to leaders, their thinking and reasoning, once they occupy State House. This requires some serious interrogation,” he said.
Commenting on Kaguchia’s arrest, Gachagua argued that the move would only increase the legislator’s popularity within the opposition.
“The overnight harassment and early morning arrest of Hon. John Kaguchia today only strengthen the resolve of our supporters and elevate his standing within our leadership hierarchy,” he said.
Gachagua added that the opposition’s legal team was working to secure Kaguchia’s release on bond ahead of his scheduled court appearance.
“Our lawyers are doing everything possible to secure his release on bond pending his arraignment tomorrow,” he stated.
He concluded his statement with the slogan, “Aluta continua.”
Kaguchia was arrested by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and is being held at Kamukunji Police Station.
Opposition leaders have condemned the arrest, while the government has consistently maintained that law enforcement agencies operate independently and in accordance with the law.
