NAKURU, Kenya — Detectives on Thursday questioned two close allies of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over their alleged involvement in financing or organizing the deadly June 25 anti-government protests, which left at least 19 people dead.
Former NHIF CEO Geoffrey Mwangi and Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) official Assumpta Wangui were summoned to the DCI’s regional headquarters in Nakuru, where they recorded statements on claims they sponsored demonstrations in the region.
The nationwide protests rattled the political establishment and sparked a security crackdown now focusing on individuals accused of aiding the unrest.
“I have declared my candidature for Nakuru governor in 2027, and perhaps that’s why some of my rivals want to tarnish my name,” Mwangi told reporters after his grilling.
Widening Probe Targets Gachagua’s Inner Circle
The investigation has expanded to Nyeri County, where Karatina MCA Watson Weru and others close to Gachagua were summoned on Wednesday.
Weru is accused of distributing whistles and vuvuzelas to protesters—a charge his legal team dismissed as political persecution.
“Distributing whistles is not a crime. This is an attempt to silence dissent,” said Weru’s lawyer, Wambui Mwai.
Other leaders, including Kirimukuyu MCA Anthony Ndagita, accused the State of using intimidation to suppress opposition voices, especially those aligned with the former deputy president.
In another twist, former Magutu Ward MCA Wanjira Wamabati told investigators that a senior pro-government politician had threatened her life over her public criticism of the administration.
Political Tensions Rise as Gachagua Denies Role
The fresh summons come days after Gachagua publicly denied playing any role in the protests during a televised interview. He dismissed claims of mobilizing support or financing the unrest.
Despite his denial, the DCI’s latest actions signal intensifying pressure on the former DP’s allies, amid suspicions they may have played a covert role in facilitating the mass demonstrations.
The protests—which culminated in widespread looting, vandalism, and deadly police crackdowns—have become a politically charged issue as the government seeks to reassert control and trace alleged masterminds behind the movement.
