Rigathi Gachagua has reminded Kenyans of his earlier warning of a plot to allegedly kill protesters while launching sharp criticism towards President William Ruto and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja after a day-long demonstration against the murder of Albert Ojwang in police custody.
Gachagua pointed an accusing finger at the two after a large group of youths armed with buttons took to the streets, charging and beating protesters in broad daylight and in full glare of police.
The group that was divided saw some roaming Nairobi’s central business district with boda bodas, in a bid to stop any mobilisation of protesters. This, as some videos showed, was similarly armed youths breaking into shops and robbing them along Moi Avenue.
“I had clearly warned of a plan by the President and the Governor of Nairobi County and other state machinery of their plans to unleash police brutality and thugs in police escort to kill our young people today. This has come to pass,” Gachagua said.
In a statement late on Tuesday, Gachagua questioned the shooting of a mask vendor at point-blank range, which has left the unarmed man, identified as Eli, fighting for his life at the Kenyatta National Hospital.
“What is the logic behind shooting an innocent and harmless hawker selling masks at close range? What police training is this?” Gachagua asked.
The puzzle over who sponsored the goons has remained unclear, however, a widely shared video showing club-wielding men chanting in support of Sakaja outside the Governor’s office has raised more questions.
The video, recorded outside City Hall, captures the men shouting “Sakaja tumelinda jiji,” Swahili for “Sakaja, we have defended the city,” as they walk past undisturbed.
In his statement, Gachagua joined other leaders who are demanding answers over the goons, asking, “Which of those criminals who meted out violence on Kenyans today have been arrested?”
This comes as there are mounting questions over alleged state-backed goon involvement in public demonstrations.
“How much more blood, Mr. President, do you need to leave the Gen Zs alone? What apology of the GenZs and Albert Ojwang's father were you asking for?” Gachagua said.
At least one person was shot and scores were injured during the protests in Nairobi. Four activists were arrested during protests in Mombasa. Property of unknown value has been destroyed in the capital, with some traders crying foul over the loss of their goods.
The police officer who was captured shooting an unarmed mask vendor at Imenti House during the protests in Nairobi has been arrested on the orders of the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja.
