By MKT Correspondent
DCP Party Leader Rigathi Gachagua has launched a fresh attack on President William Ruto, accusing him of using the police to harass and intimidate him more than a year after his impeachment.
Speaking during a series of engagements in Kiambu County, the former Deputy President said it was unacceptable for the Head of State to deploy excessive force against him, including disrupting places of worship.
He cited yesterday’s incident at AIPCA Kimworia Church in Gatundu South Constituency, where police officers lobbed teargas at congregants as he attended prayers.
Mr. Gachagua described the incident as shocking and unjustifiable, saying no Kenyan should be subjected to violence while exercising their right to worship.
He called on President Ruto to stop what he termed as political persecution and to “leave him alone”.
“It is unfortunate that police are being sent even to churches to intimidate me and innocent worshippers. This is wrong and must stop,” he said.
The DCP leader further accused President Ruto of applying double standards, noting that former President Uhuru Kenyatta allowed him to campaign freely across the country for more than four years before the 2022 General Election. He questioned why, despite this precedent, the current administration continues to block him from engaging with citizens.
“This is unfair, undemocratic and against the spirit of our Constitution,” Gachagua said, adding that no leader should be denied the freedom to meet the people.
On transport and public order, Mr. Gachagua condemned some Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (Saccos) for allegedly leasing their vehicles to hired goons who later cause chaos and disrupt peace during public events.
He urged Sacco officials to exercise due diligence before renting out their vehicles, warning that such practices undermine public safety.
Turning to national politics, Gachagua defended former President Uhuru Kenyatta against what he termed as unwarranted attacks by some leaders allied to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
He insisted that Uhuru, as a retired Head of State, deserves respect.
He challenged ODM leaders to direct their frustrations to President Ruto, whom he accused of attempting to interfere with and take over the party’s affairs.
On education, the former Deputy President reiterated the need for leaders to prudently utilize development funds to build quality schools across all regions. He said this would promote equity, fairness and equal opportunities in student placement, especially in national schools.
Mr. Gachagua was accompanied by several leaders, including Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa, Nyeri County Assembly Speaker Gichuhi Mwangi, and dozens of DCP-affiliated aspirants for various political seats.
Later, the DCP leader paid a condolence visit to the family of a Catholic Church catechist who recently died alongside his wife and two children in a tragic road accident.
The team also held impromptu public meetings in several townships and trading centres within the area, where he reiterated his call for peace, democracy and respect for the rule of law.