By MKT Reporters
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has launched a scathing attack on the government, dismissing allegations linking him to political violence and instead accusing state actors of orchestrating disruption of opposition activities in what is shaping up to be a deepening political standoff.
Speaking yesterday in Mbiri Ward, Kiharu Constituency in Murang’a County, Gachagua denied claims of involvement in goonism and political intolerance, insisting that such actions are part of a broader state-sponsored strategy to undermine dissenting voices.
He directly accused Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo of being behind disruptions witnessed at opposition gatherings across the country.
According to Gachagua, several meetings organized by opposition figures have in recent months been disrupted by groups of goons, sometimes in the presence of security agencies, yet no arrests or prosecutions have followed despite investigations reportedly being concluded.
“This culture of goonism is being driven by the state to intimidate opponents and create the impression that the opposition is disorderly,” he said.
His remarks come amid heightened political temperatures, with reports from various parts of the country indicating increased confrontations between rival political camps and growing concerns over shrinking democratic space.
Gachagua also took aim at Kimani Ichung’wa, the Kikuyu Member of Parliament, accusing him of allegedly mobilizing police to disrupt his recent political tour.
He claimed the MP’s actions reflected desperation and suggested that his political influence was waning.
On the broader political landscape, Gachagua raised alarm over what he described as attempts by President William Ruto to weaken the opposition, particularly the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
He alleged that there are plans to dissolve or destabilize the party and warned that such a move would undermine Kenya’s democratic foundations.
He further claimed that alternative political outfits were being cultivated within ODM strongholds as part of a strategy to dilute the party’s influence.
“Kenya is a democratic country, and political parties must be respected,” Gachagua said, urging ODM leaders and supporters to remain vigilant.
The former deputy president also weighed in on a recent incident in Githunguri involving the alleged teargassing of members of the Kikuyu Council of Elders, terming it an affront to cultural institutions.
He accused the president of interfering with land considered sacred by the community and attempting to undermine traditional structures.
In a controversial claim, Gachagua further alleged that a “fake” Akorino religious group had been mobilized in the aftermath of the incident in a bid to manage public backlash; an assertion that has yet to be independently verified.
His statements add to mounting criticism from sections of the political class over government policies and handling of dissent.
Analysts note that the accusations, if left unaddressed, could deepen political polarization and erode public trust in state institutions.
Despite the sharp criticism, Gachagua maintained that he remains focused on offering solutions to the country’s challenges, positioning himself as an alternative voice amid growing economic and political concerns.
The government has yet to formally respond to his latest claims, but the unfolding exchanges signal a potentially volatile period ahead as political alignments shift and competition intensifies in the run-up to future electoral contests.
The former DP was accompanied by dozens of former, current and aspiring political leaders from different parts of the country.