Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has issued a statement following chaos at the PCEA church in Kariobangi North, where police fired teargas and gunshots were reported during a confrontation involving his supporters.
In his statement on Sunday, November 30, Gachagua accused President William Ruto of using state force and hired groups to intimidate the public and target political opponents.
"It is unfortunate and disturbing that Mr. William Ruto, is turning Kenya into a militia Country where women, children and churches have become his key targets of lethal attacks," he said.
Gachagua argued that the chaos at the church was politically motivated, blaming the confrontation on retaliation against residents for rejecting a UDA candidate in the just concluded by-elections.
"For the record, William Ruto, sending goons and police to attack us at the PCEA church, Kariobangi North today, to punish the people of Kariobangi North for rejecting your UDA Candidate shows how desperate you are.
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"Today, your police and goons opened fire and shot two DCP supporters who are now nursing serious gunshot wounds," he added.
Gachagua also accused authorities of violating the sanctity of the church by deploying teargas inside the compound.
"Directing police to throw tear gas in church to harm the clergy, women and children is the lowest a leader can go. You have discreeted the Altar and defiled a Holy Place and for sure God will punish you," he further said.
Gachagua added that the use of force would only intensify public resistance to the current leadership.
"Much as I appreciate your frustrations, the more you send goons and police to attack the public and their leaders, the more you harden their resolve against your unpopular leadership," he concluded.
Elsewhere, Gachagua confirmed a new political deal that will determine how key elective positions in Nairobi are shared ahead of the next polls.
Speaking on Sunday, November 30, he said the agreement was reached after discussions with Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and is meant to streamline coalition plans for the city.
Gachagua said the understanding between the two leaders allocates three major Nairobi seats to the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP).
"We have agreed with Kalonzo Musyoka that gubernatorial, senatorial, and women representative seats in Nairobi will go to Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP)," he said.
Additionally, DCP will seek to have candidates in 16 out of 17 constituencies and in 75 out of 88 wards.
"DCP is the party for Nairobi, and the Kariobang North win is the beginning of our politics in Nairobi. We have all planned ourselves very well. We have agreed with the Wiper leader that the governor, senate and women representatives' seats will be taken by DCP," he added.
