NAIROBI, Kenya- Former Deputy President and Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has accused the government of sponsoring criminal gangs to intimidate political opponents, alleging that violence witnessed in several parts of the country is state-backed.
In a statement on Sunday, Gachagua said that groups of “goons” were operating alongside rogue police officers in what he described as a coordinated campaign to harass opposition supporters ahead of the 2027 General Election.
He cited recent incidents in Mwiki, Kariobangi, Witima, Ol Kalou, Keumbu, Kisii and parts of Nairobi, saying that criminal gangs had been deployed to disrupt political activities and attack civilians.
Gachagua further said that some plainclothes police officers were working with the gangs while uniformed officers were allegedly instructed not to intervene.
He also criticised Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, accusing him of failing to take control of the National Police Service and prevent the attacks.
The DCP leader said that officers deployed to the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support mission in Haiti had returned with tactics used to combat criminal gangs, which he claimed were now being applied domestically.
He did not provide evidence to support the allegation.
Referring to the recent violence in Keumbu, Kisii County, Gachagua said that police officers failed to stop an attack on the Linda Mwananchi political team because they had been instructed to work with the attackers.
The National Police Service has rejected claims of political bias.
On Saturday, the service announced the arrest of several suspects in connection with the attack on a political convoy in Keumbu and said investigations were ongoing.
IG Kanja also directed the Internal Affairs Unit to investigate the incident and assess any operational shortcomings.
Gachagua also said that individuals linked to recent violence in Ol Kalou had been accommodated in a hotel ahead of the constituency’s July 16 parliamentary by-election, claiming they were awaiting instructions to cause further disruption.
The former Deputy President urged Kenyans to reject the current administration through the ballot, saying the country had an opportunity to restore stability in the 2027 General Election.