By Grace Gilo
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has raised alarm over alleged assassination attempts and violence against his life.
In a statement addressed to Douglas Kanja, the Inspector General of Police, he called for immediate action to address his security, as well as that of his family, supporters, and property.
He accused the IG of allegedly withdrawing his security, claiming it was part of a “clear thought-out scheme and backward conspiracy to make me venerable to organized criminal gangs in cohort with the Police and other Security Agencies.”
He also stated that operatives from the National Intelligence Service (NIS) had disrespected his right to privacy by trailing him and his family in unmarked cars or with clandestine number plates.
“You are well aware that Security Agencies have been trailing me with marked and unmarked vehicles; notably on 19th of December, 2024, a NIS officer with a fake car number plate KCR 919U trailed me for over 150 km in Makueni for reasons best known to yourselves,” he added.
Gachagua listed several incidents where he was allegedly attacked by organized criminal gangs.
He noted that on 28th November 2024, during a funeral service in Limuru, he was attacked by these gangs. His vehicles damaged irreparably, mourners were beaten, and property of unknown value was destroyed, all while police reportedly watched the failed assassination attempt.
He also mentioned an incident on 28th December 2024 in Shamata, Nyandarua County, where an inspector of police, flanked by organized criminal gangs, threw tear gas canisters at him to scatter his supporters and create an opportunity to attack him with an assassination intent.
“The inspector of police, well known to you, has not been disciplined for destabilizing peace and an attempted assassination,” he noted.
On 18th January 2025, at Kamukunji grounds in Nyeri, during a prayer rally organized by Rev. Maina Wa OTC and his spouse Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, an attack gang disrupted the congregation, forcing Dorcas to be whisked away by her private security.
“The police in civilian attire joined forces with the criminals and hitherto, no action has been taken,” stated Gachagua.
Gachagua further alleged that on 23rd March 2025, at the ACK St. Peters’ Cathedral in Nyeri, “Criminal gangs, well organized by yourselves and parties known to you attacked the Christian faithful where I was attending a Sunday service.”
He claimed that on 29th March, 2025 in Naivasha town, police officers under the command of Mr. Keter, the OCPD of Naivasha, heavily armed, assaulted residents who had gathered to greet him.
Similar violence occurred on April 6, 2025, at a church service at the PCEA Kasarani East Parish in Mwiki.
“You are aware that there have been deliberate plans to attack my homes in Nairobi, Nyeri and my properties across the country by individuals well know to you or where you are a culpable accomplice,” stated the former DP.
Gachagua demanded IG Kanja to; immediately arrest and prosecute the perpetrators of violence, ensure security at all his public gatherings, provide him with security with immediate effect, cease and desist from interfering with peaceful gatherings, stop NIS officers and other security agencies from stalking him and his family and protect his homes and property.
“Take firm notice that might further violence and assassination attempts be meted on me whatsoever; you will be personally responsible to the people of the Republic of Kenya and the entire world,” he cautioned.