NAIROBI, Kenya — Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has dropped a political bombshell—accusing the National Intelligence Service (NIS) of deploying a shadowy “killer squad” in unmarked Subaru vehicles to suppress protests during the Saba Saba demonstrations.
In a Wednesday afternoon press briefing, Gachagua claimed that a special unit of 101 armed and masked officers—operating under the direct leadership of NIS Director General Noordin Haji—was behind the mysterious fleet of Subarus seen opening fire in Kiserian, Ngong, and Kitengela.
According to him, the squad was tasked with silencing dissenting voices during the nationwide protests, often using extreme and unlawful force.
“These men weren’t DCI officers. They’re a disguised NIS squad, highly trained and operating covertly. The Subarus are a decoy,” Gachagua said, insisting the vehicles were procured to give the illusion that the team belongs to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.
Even more shocking, Gachagua admitted he was present when this elite team was formed—back when he still held the Deputy President’s office.
He claims the squad was created by selecting officers from the Administration Police Unit and giving them specialized training in abduction and crowd control tactics.
“This 101-person squad was formed while I was still in government,” he said. “Its mission has since evolved—and dangerously so.”
The former DP alleged that during the July 7 Saba Saba protests, the elite unit was predominantly deployed in the Mt Kenya region and other areas perceived as less loyal to President Ruto’s administration.
Protesters and onlookers reported masked men in civilian clothes indiscriminately firing live rounds—a claim Gachagua now ties directly to NIS operations.
But that wasn’t all.
In a blistering escalation, Gachagua accused President Ruto of orchestrating economic sabotage by hiring goons to destroy property—especially in Central Kenya.
“This was a state-sponsored militia operation,” he said. “Goons were deployed under police protection to loot businesses and torch shops, all while innocent Kenyans suffered.”
He went on to claim that these alleged militias were strategically dropped in towns past midnight, ahead of the protests, with full knowledge—and assistance—of the National Police Service.
“Roadblocks were set up immediately after, sealing off these areas. It was a coordinated hit,” Gachagua said.
According to him, the operation wasn’t a rogue mission. He alleged that the plan was funded and executed by allies of the president, including some governors and Members of Parliament. “They were procured by Ruto, his governors, and MPs loyal to him,” he stated.
The allegations, if true, paint a chilling picture of a state apparatus allegedly using covert forces to both infiltrate and disrupt public demonstrations while creating conditions to justify further crackdowns.
Gachagua framed the acts not just as political suppression—but as an outright assault on Kenya’s economy and democratic institutions.
As protests continue and public pressure builds, Gachagua’s explosive claims are likely to deepen the cracks already forming in the country’s political foundation.
