By Dorothy Musyoka
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has expressed strong condemnation of what he described as a politically motivated scheme to use the criminal justice system to undermine his office and close associates.
Gachagua revealed that members of his office staff and two Members of Parliament Hon. James Gakuya (Embakasi North) and Hon. Benjamin Gathiru (Embakasi Central) are being targeted with trumped-up charges in a bid to tarnish his reputation.
The Deputy President pointed out that this political strategy of using the criminal justice system to manage politics is a relic of the past.
“The use of the criminal justice system to manage politics is an outdated political strategy that was used in the past,” noted the DP.
However, Gachagua raised concern that recent events suggest otherwise, as harassment against his staff and MPs close to him has been escalating over the past two months.
According to Gachagua, a scheme has been uncovered to associate his staff and the two MPs with violent demonstrations in late June.
He termed this as a baseless and “evil” plot aimed at soiling his name and laying the groundwork for mooted impeachment proceedings.
“I have learnt of a scheme to prefer trumped-up charges against three members of my staff and the MPs for Embakasi North Hon James Gakuya and Embakasi Central Hon Benjamin Gathiru MejjaDonk,” stated DP Gachagua.
“This evil scheme is to associate them with violent demonstrations that took place in late June, in a futile attempt to soil my name and hopefully create grounds for the mooted impeachment proceedings against me,” he added.
The Deputy President expressed deep embarrassment that Kenya seems to be reverting to outdated political tactics that weaponize justice for personal gain.
Gachagua also addressed the Kenyan public directly, emphasizing that Kenyans are fully aware of the true reasons behind the protests earlier this year.
However, the second in command called on government agencies to remain professional, follow the rule of law, and steer clear of politics.
As tensions rise over alleged misuse of the justice system, the Deputy President’s message warns against returning to authoritarian strategies that undermine democratic values and the rule of law in Kenya.