KIRINYAGA, Kenya – Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused a special police squad of attacking his convoy in Kirinyaga County, demanding urgent explanations from the Inspector-General of Police over what he called a “worrying breakdown of command” within the National Police Service.
In a statement released on January 10, 2026, Gachagua said the squad, operating in civilian clothes and allegedly under the command of an officer linked to Murang’a Women Representative, commandeered two police Land Cruisers from Baricho and Wang’uru police stations.
“This officer, who was involved in the July 2025 attack on Senator John Methu in Murang’a and in security incidents during the Narok by-elections, mounted a roadblock on the Sagana–Kagio–Kutus road and violently attacked my convoy with tear gas and live ammunition,” Gachagua said.
The former Deputy President accused the squad of causing injuries to his security personnel, damaging vehicles, and stealing media communication equipment.
He added that the attack prevented him from reaching Kagio town for a public engagement, forcing his team to take an alternative route.
Gachagua praised another group of officers under the Area Sub County Commander for allowing a peaceful meeting with thousands of DCP supporters to proceed without interference.
The Deputy President called on Inspector-General Douglas Kanja to explain whether multiple commands operate outside his authority, questioning the leadership and accountability within the National Police Service.
He demanded the immediate arrest of the squad and prosecution of the officers involved for robbery and violence.
“Mr. IG, as your neighbor, I am deeply embarrassed by your stewardship of the National Police Service and how command can be surrendered to overzealous politicians,” Gachagua said.
The National Police Service has not yet responded to the allegations.
