Gachagua Issues Demand After Police Teargas His Allies in Murang’a

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has demanded the arrest and prosecution of police officers and individuals involved in the teargassing of opposition leaders in Murang'a County.

In a statement on Sunday, July 27, Gachagua warned police officers and their bosses that justice would eventually catch up with them.

"I call for immediate arrest and arraignment of these criminals and police officers.

"I want to remind the police officers being misused by William Ruto and, in extension, the inspector general of police Mr. Douglas Kanja, justice will be served no matter how long it takes," he said.

Gachagua claimed that the violence meted against his allies was ordered by President William Ruto and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen

"I have learnt of the unfortunate event at Ngonda Shopping Center, in Murang’a where state-sponsored Militia accompanied by the rogue police officers under instructions of Mr. William Ruto and CS for Interior Kipchumba Murkomen have violently beaten wananchi and leaders after church service in Murang’a county," he added.

Gachagua condemned the incident as barbaric, and accused Ruto of disregarding the Constitution.

“This is barbaric, dictatorial, and violence against the very soul of our nation, which is our constitution. Mr. William Ruto, read the preamble of our Constitution. In any case, you never supported its passing in 2010, and you have never changed your position, but Kenya has gone on," he said.

Gachagua went ahead to question Ruto’s moral and religious credibility, accusing him of hypocrisy and contradiction.

"Mr. William Ruto, what do you gain through deaths and bloodshed? How do you go to church, reconcile your conscience at the Holy Alter while you instruct your police and goons to kill Kenyans in the same neighborhood?" he posed.

Earlier Sunday, Nyandarua Senator John Methu, along with other leaders aligned with Gachagua, were forced to flee for their safety after police officers lobbed teargas at their convoy.

According to media reports, the officers also fired live ammunition to break up a gathering of opposition leaders who had traveled to Kigumo Constituency for a church service.

Following the service, the politicians had planned to hold several public rallies across the county. 

However, their efforts were thwarted when police set up a blockade on a key highway, preventing further movement.

The chaos left several individuals injured, and some of the vehicles, including Methu's, sustained damage during the incident.