NAIROBI, Kenya- Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused President William Ruto of employing oppressive tactics reminiscent of the Moi-era to stifle dissent and intimidate his critics.
Gachagua, now a vocal critic of his former boss, claimed the government is misusing police officers to manage politics and silence opposition voices.
“The President is using police to suppress those questioning him,” Gachagua alleged during a fiery interview on Inooro TV, on Sunday.
Gachagua pointed to a recent incident involving Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang’wa, who was summoned for questioning after being attacked by alleged goons in Limuru.
The attack, believed to have been targeting Gachagua, left women and children injured and vehicles vandalized.
“The police should be protecting citizens, not turning a blind eye to political violence,” he said.
The former Deputy President also highlighted another case in Nyandarua, where two Members of County Assembly were summoned after residents reportedly refused to listen to President Ruto’s speech during the Jamhuri Day celebrations.
“The President should ask himself why people are refusing to listen to his speech,” Gachagua remarked.
Gachagua further said the President orchestrated a plan to impeach him for refusing to be a “yes man.”
He emphasized his commitment to his principles, vowing to continue speaking out despite attempts to silence him.
“I am a very principled person. I don’t fear, and my opinion cannot be bought using money,” he said.
The allegations have added fuel to the ongoing political rivalry between Gachagua and Ruto.
Analysts suggest the remarks signal a deepening rift within the political elite, with the former allies now locked in a public power struggle.
“Gachagua’s accusations of political suppression are reminiscent of past eras, but they also underscore the fragile nature of current political alliances,” said political commentator Dr. Edward Kananu.
