The former Deputy President alleges plot to block opposition in Nyanza as political violence sparks wider outrage
By MKT Correspondents
Former Deputy President and DCP party leader Rigathi Gachagua yesterday sharply condemned political violence and what he described as the use of “goons” to intimidate and destabilise the country’s democratic space.
He accused the government through the Ministry of Interior and National Administration of failing to act decisively.
His remarks follow the brazen attack on Senator Godfrey Osotsi in Kisumu on Wednesday where suspected armed assailants assaulted the legislator in broad daylight at Java House in West End Mall.
Senator Osotsi was airlifted to Nairobi’s Karen Hospital where he is recapitulating.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations yesterday arrested three suspects over the incident.
Gachagua, speaking during a burial of his sister-in-law in Laikipia East, asserted that such acts of violence have no place in Kenya’s democratic framework and called on the National Police Service of Kenya and the Inspector General to take thorough action against perpetrators.
He also attributed blame to Principal Secretary for Interior Raymond Omollo, alleging a purported scheme to deploy goons to prevent opposition members from accessing the Nyanza region.
Gachagua further claimed intelligence suggesting that Majority Leader in the National Assembly of Kenya, Kimani Ichung’wa, intends to disrupt an upcoming United Alternative Government meeting in Kikuyu Constituency on Saturday.
The attack on Osotsi has drawn condemnation from across the political divide.
Orange Democratic Movement leadership denounced the assault, with Chairperson Gladys Wanga calling for swift police action and prosecution of those responsible, insisting violence has no place in political discourse.
Siaya Governor James Orengo described the incident as a coordinated attempt to intimidate opposition voices and urged the release of CCTV footage to aid investigations, while other senior leaders stressed the need for accountability to protect democratic freedoms.
Gachagua also referenced his earlier remarks on Wednesday during the requiem service of former Ol-Kalou MP, David Kiaraho, defending his candid critique of President William Ruto. He reiterated concerns over deteriorating security, warning that the country was becoming a haven for lawlessness, with even churches and public spaces no longer exempt from violence.
As part of his broader political messaging, he cautioned the Orange Democratic Movement to guard against internal vulnerabilities and ensure zoning and strategic leadership to preserve the party’s influence.
In an appeal that went beyond politics, Gachagua urged unity within his own family, stressing that personal disputes should not be manipulated by political actors to sow discord.
Dennis Dibondo