Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has raised alarm over what he has described as a well-orchestrated plot to end his life.
In a detailed statement released on the morning of Tuesday, April 15, the former Deputy President pointed an accusing finger at Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, accusing the State of deliberately withdrawing his security detail to leave him vulnerable to attacks by organised criminal gangs.
“Reference is made to the above subject matter for your immediate action and attention regarding my security, that of my family, my supporters and my property,” Gachagua stated in the letter.
“As you are aware, you have a constitutional responsibility and duty to protect the life and property of every Kenyan… However, in this case, Mr. Kanja, you are clearly perpetuating crime and violence.”
The former DP, who was impeached in October 2024, referenced recent chaos during functions where he was in attendance, including a church service in Mwiki where his private security was compelled to fire gunshots in the air to quell a rowdy group.
Gachagua added: “You are clearly perpetuating crime and violence,” he wrote. “Your silence is the loudest ever.”
In his statement, the former DP comprehensively listed several other instances which he claimed were proof that his life was in danger. The incidents ranged from the December 28 incident when a teargas canister was hurled at his function in Nyandarua to the April 6 incident at PCEA Kasarani East Parish.
Gachagua proceeded to list a string of demands to the Inspector General of Police, including calling on the arrest and prosecution of 'perpetrators of violence'.
He also demanded security in all public gatherings which he attends, emphasizing that he was a still a leader in the country.
Further, Gachagua warned the state against what he described as 'interference with peaceful gathering of citizens, while also calling on officers from the National Intelligence Service and other security agencies to stop stalking him.
Finally, the former Deputy President demanded protection of his homes and property.
“Take note of your constitutional establishment under Article 245 of the Constitution of Kenya and more specifically 245(2)(b) on independent command of the National Police Service. This is as you dine in the oligarchy and anarchism of the current unpopular regime,” Gachagua further cautioned the IG.
On April 7, in the wake of the drama at the PCEA Mwiki church, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) issued a statement giving some perspective on why Gachagua lacked state-issued security.
According to the DCI, there was no prior communication regarding the planned attendance of political dignitaries at the church service.
"The Mwiki police command has stated that the church failed to notify the police of the planned function, which included political leaders, and therefore, no advance security measures were deployed to handle such an eventuality,” the statement read in part.
