Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, former assistant minister Maina Kamanda and other DCP at airport
By Aoma Keziah,
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused the government of using intimidation tactics in a bid to derail his upcoming tour of the United States. Speaking yesterday before he departed last night, Gachagua alleged that individuals close to President William Ruto had made attempts to block him from leaving the country.
According to the former Deputy President, people within the president’s circle made phone calls to his associates, warning that he may face arrest if he attempts to travel. He said he would not be deterred.
“I have no problem. If you want to come and arrest me at the airport, as you were threatening us, you can go ahead, you cannot sell fear to us, and even if you sold it, we cannot buy it,” he stated.
His remarks follow the recent arrest of his political ally, Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji, who was taken into custody in connection with last week’s sabasaba protests. Gachagua claimed the arrests were part of a wider strategy to suppress dissent, particularly from the Mt. Kenya region.
He accused the government of engaging in what he called “ethnic cleansing through economic warfare,” pointing to what he described as targeted crackdowns on Kikuyu businesses and youth. He said the ongoing arrests were unjustified and politically driven.
Additionally he stated that regardless of whether authorities try to block his trip, he would continue to support those arrested, revealing that a team of lawyers under the United Opposition had been assembled to represent protestors charged with terrorism and other offenses he called fabricated.
“This is not just about me, its about standing up for those who are being punished for exercising their rights,” Gachagua added.
The trip to the United States marks Gachagua’s first international engagement since his removal from office in October last year. Over the next two months, he is expected to travel to cities including Dallas, Los Angeles, Seattle, Boston, and Baltimore.
As leader of the newly formed Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), Gachagua is looking to build momentum ahead of the 2027 elections by engaging with the Kenyan diaspora. His itinerary includes a series of town hall forums and social meetings aimed at rallying support and building party structures abroad.
Gachagua’s latest confrontation with the Ruto administration signals growing tension between the former allies, with political temperatures continuing to rise both at home and among Kenyans abroad.
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The Mt Kenya Times 
