NAIROBI, Kenya — Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has claimed the government has withdrawn his personal security detail, warning that the move has left him exposed to serious risk despite what he says is his continued prominence in national politics.
Speaking on Monday, Gachagua described the decision as unjustified and dangerous, arguing that his political influence and public profile still warrant state protection.
“I want to tell the people of Kenya that Rigathi Gachagua is not safe. The government withdrew security from him despite his senior status in the country,” he said.
Gachagua maintained that although he is no longer in office, he remains a high-profile political figure with a strong national following, factors he says make him vulnerable to security threats.
He argued that the withdrawal of his security was politically motivated and linked to his fallout with the current administration, particularly over political dynamics in the Mt Kenya region.
According to the former deputy president, the move is part of a broader strategy aimed at weakening his political influence ahead of future elections.
“Despite the fact that he was removed from office, he commands a serious following. Millions of Kenyans are behind him. He is a senior leader who deserves protection because of his service to the country and his role in shaping the next presidential election,” Gachagua said.
He further claimed that the alleged plan involves fragmenting the Mt Kenya voting bloc to dilute its political power, accusing unnamed actors of pushing narratives that divide the region along geographic and ethnic lines.
“The plan is to divide the mountain between Mt Kenya East and Mt Kenya West, and at times even suggest that Kiambu should be pushed out of the mountain,” he claimed.
Gachagua said his political activities in the region, which he described as efforts to promote unity and cohesion, have made him a target of political hostility.
He insisted that restoring his security is necessary not only for his personal safety but also as recognition of his stature and continued involvement in national political affairs.
