NAIROBI, Kenya – Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has condemned the resurgence of what he describes as the use of the criminal justice system to settle political scores, a tactic he says belongs to a bygone era.
In a strongly worded statement, Gachagua expressed his embarrassment and concern that despite commitments made by the current administration to refrain from weaponizing the justice system, his close allies are now facing targeted harassment.
“President William Ruto and I, upon taking office on September 13, 2022, assured Kenyans that the criminal justice system would no longer be misused for political ends. Yet, here we are again,” Gachagua stated, highlighting what he sees as a betrayal of that promise.
The Deputy President revealed a scheme allegedly designed to frame his staff and certain Members of Parliament on trumped-up charges, linking them to violent demonstrations that occurred in June.
Gachagua named Embakasi North MP James Gakuya and Embakasi Central MP Benjamin Gathiru, also known as MejjaDonk, as targets of this plot.
According to Gachagua, the charges are intended to tarnish his reputation and lay the groundwork for a potential impeachment.
“Kenyans are aware of the real issues affecting our nation, and they know that I am not among them,” Gachagua asserted, urging government agencies to uphold professionalism, adhere to the rule of law, and steer clear of political entanglements.
In a broader appeal, Gachagua called for kindness towards the people of the Mount Kenya region, emphasizing their virtues of trust, kindness, and forgiveness.
“The people of the Mountain are good, trusting, and loving. They return love with love and kindness with kindness. While they are forgiving, they do not forget,” he said, urging everyone to treat the region’s residents with the respect they deserve.
In a strongly worded statement, Gachagua expressed his embarrassment and concern that despite commitments made by the current administration to refrain from weaponizing the justice system, his close allies are now facing targeted harassment.
“President William Ruto and I, upon taking office on September 13, 2022, assured Kenyans that the criminal justice system would no longer be misused for political ends. Yet, here we are again,” Gachagua stated, highlighting what he sees as a betrayal of that promise.
The Deputy President revealed a scheme allegedly designed to frame his staff and certain Members of Parliament on trumped-up charges, linking them to violent demonstrations that occurred in June.
Gachagua named Embakasi North MP James Gakuya and Embakasi Central MP Benjamin Gathiru, also known as MejjaDonk, as targets of this plot.
According to Gachagua, the charges are intended to tarnish his reputation and lay the groundwork for a potential impeachment.
“Kenyans are aware of the real issues affecting our nation, and they know that I am not among them,” Gachagua asserted, urging government agencies to uphold professionalism, adhere to the rule of law, and steer clear of political entanglements.
In a broader appeal, Gachagua called for kindness towards the people of the Mount Kenya region, emphasizing their virtues of trust, kindness, and forgiveness.
“The people of the Mountain are good, trusting, and loving. They return love with love and kindness with kindness. While they are forgiving, they do not forget,” he said, urging everyone to treat the region’s residents with the respect they deserve.
