NAIROBI, Kenya – Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has penned an urgent letter to Inspector General of Police (IG) Douglas Kanja, raising serious concerns over the threats to his life.
In the letter, dated April 15, 2025, Gachagua outlines several violent incidents he believes are assassination attempts, some of which he claims were carried out by criminal gangs, with potential complicity from state security agencies.
Gachagua’s letter highlights a series of troubling events, starting from late 2024 to early 2025, where he was allegedly targeted in multiple attacks across the country.
Below are the specific incidents he has outlined:
- November 28, 2024, Limuru, Kiambu County: Gachagua claims he was attacked by criminal gangs during a funeral service, with his vehicles destroyed, women and children roughed up, and the property of mourners damaged. He describes the attack as an assassination attempt that ultimately failed, though no action has been taken against the perpetrators.
- January 18, 2025, Nyeri: While attending a prayer rally organized by Rev. Maina Wa OTC, Gachagua and his spouse were allegedly targeted by a known gang. He states that the gang descended on the crowd during the event, and despite police presence, the authorities failed to intervene. Gachagua was reportedly forced to leave the scene after receiving an intelligence tip-off warning of an imminent attack.
- March 23, 2025, Nyeri: Gachagua was once again targeted by criminal gangs during a Sunday service at the ACK St. Peter’s Cathedral. He claims that the police deliberately watched as vehicles were stoned and the congregation was harassed.
- March 29, 2025, Naivasha: A gang, with the help of police officers, allegedly roughed up innocent residents who had gathered for a public meeting. Gachagua was harassed by police, who reportedly trailed his motorcycle and even fired tear gas at citizens attempting to approach him.
- April 6, 2025, Nairobi: During a church service at PCEA Kasarani East Parish, Gachagua was allegedly targeted by armed gangs wielding machetes. Despite the chaos caused, Gachagua claims that the police failed to respond and provide any security during the incident.
In his letter, Gachagua claims that the continuous harassment and targeting are part of a coordinated effort involving certain state security agencies, particularly the National Intelligence Service (NIS).
He asserts that NIS operatives have been trailing him in unmarked cars and using clandestine number plates, a practice he believes is part of a larger plot to intimidate and eventually harm him and his family.
Additionally, Gachagua emphasizes that these incidents bear a striking resemblance to the political violence that occurred in Kenya leading up to the 2007 general elections, which resulted in international scrutiny and investigations by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Gachagua has demanded immediate action from the police chief to ensure his protection, including enhanced security at public events, the arrest of those responsible for the attacks, and the cessation of NIS surveillance.
He has also called for the immediate protection of his property and family.
“I take firm notice that if further violence and assassination attempts are meted on me, you, Mr. Kanja, will be personally responsible to the people of Kenya and the world,” Gachagua wrote in his letter to the IG.
The allegations have raised serious questions about the role of state agencies in political violence and intimidation.
Gachagua’s letter is an urgent call for immediate action to prevent further escalation of the situation.
As the country approaches the next election cycle, political tensions are high, and the need for accountability and transparency in security operations has never been more critical.
