Nairobi, Kenya – Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has alleged persistent surveillance and intimidation by state agents, accusing unidentified operatives of trailing him in unmarked cars and monitoring his movements.
Gachagua described the incidents as reminiscent of oppressive tactics employed during Kenya’s one-party rule under former President Daniel arap Moi.
In a statement on his X account, Gachagua claimed that unknown individuals have been staking out his Nairobi residence and shadowing him during his travels, including visits to his rural home in Nyeri.
He cited a specific incident last Sunday when a saloon car parked outside his house followed him to a church service at PCEA Kerarapon, a lunch meeting, and back to his residence.
Upon investigating the vehicle’s registration through the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), Gachagua discovered that the number plates were registered to a lorry.
“This surveillance and intimidation of Kenyans was last witnessed during the era of the dreaded ‘Special Branch’ during the 24 years of Moi’s misrule,” Gachagua stated.
The former Deputy President expressed concern over what he termed a resurgence of state-sponsored harassment, referencing Kenya’s history of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances.
He called on Kenyans to hold the government accountable if harm were to befall him.
“In this era of extrajudicial killings, forced abductions, and disappearances by state agents, I have thought it important to share with Kenyans the harassment and intimidation I am going through,” he noted.
Gachagua also issued a direct plea to the government, urging it to cease its alleged surveillance activities.
“I request the state to leave me alone! You hounded me out of office, and you should now allow me to enjoy my peace as a private citizen.”
The allegations come amidst heightened political tension and debates over the government’s treatment of former officials.
There has been no immediate response from state authorities regarding Gachagua’s claims.
Gachagua described the incidents as reminiscent of oppressive tactics employed during Kenya’s one-party rule under former President Daniel arap Moi.
In a statement on his X account, Gachagua claimed that unknown individuals have been staking out his Nairobi residence and shadowing him during his travels, including visits to his rural home in Nyeri.
He cited a specific incident last Sunday when a saloon car parked outside his house followed him to a church service at PCEA Kerarapon, a lunch meeting, and back to his residence.
Upon investigating the vehicle’s registration through the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), Gachagua discovered that the number plates were registered to a lorry.
“This surveillance and intimidation of Kenyans was last witnessed during the era of the dreaded ‘Special Branch’ during the 24 years of Moi’s misrule,” Gachagua stated.
The former Deputy President expressed concern over what he termed a resurgence of state-sponsored harassment, referencing Kenya’s history of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances.
He called on Kenyans to hold the government accountable if harm were to befall him.
“In this era of extrajudicial killings, forced abductions, and disappearances by state agents, I have thought it important to share with Kenyans the harassment and intimidation I am going through,” he noted.
Gachagua also issued a direct plea to the government, urging it to cease its alleged surveillance activities.
“I request the state to leave me alone! You hounded me out of office, and you should now allow me to enjoy my peace as a private citizen.”
The allegations come amidst heightened political tension and debates over the government’s treatment of former officials.
There has been no immediate response from state authorities regarding Gachagua’s claims.
