NAKURU, Kenya, Aug 15 – Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has accused the government of using goons to disrupt opposition activities, vowing that such tactics will not stop his nationwide mobilisation ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during the opening of DCP offices in Nakuru on Saturday, Gachagua said the opposition would continue holding meetings across the country despite what he described as attempts to intimidate its supporters.
“We are not going to be intimidated by Ruto and his people. This is our country. The Constitution provides that we move around the country without being intimidated by anyone,” the former Deputy President said.
Gachagua announced that DCP would proceed with its planned activities, including a meeting in Murang’a on August 21, saying supporters were ready to protect their gatherings.
“When Ruto and Murkomen were saying there are no goons, they were just setting for us a trap, so that we lower our guard, so that they can attack us,” he alleged.
His remarks came a day after Nyandarua Senator and DCP Secretary-General designate John Methu accused Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika, Nakuru West MP Samuel Arama and Nakuru County Police Commander Samuel Boit of involvement in alleged efforts to disrupt opposition activities.
Methu claimed police failed to intervene when goons attacked opposition supporters during a political tour of Nakuru, alleging that officers had been instructed to keep off.
He further accused Arama and Kihika of facilitating the mobilisation of the attackers and Boit of directing police officers not to intervene.
Murkomen, Kihika, Arama and Boit had not responded to the allegations by the time of publication.
Murkomen branded ‘CS for Goons’ over Nakuru clashes
Gachagua amplified the accusations, claiming that Nakuru’s police command had been “ethnicised” and alleging that senior commanders were drawn from one community.
He said this had contributed to the alleged failure by police to protect opposition supporters.
“They are the ones who told police to keep off so that we are attacked,” Gachagua said.
Murkomen attack
Gachagua also escalated his criticism of Murkomen, describing the Interior CS as the “chief goon of the country” and accusing him of coordinating the alleged use of goons against opposition supporters.
He claimed police officers were unhappy with being ordered to work alongside goons and participate in activities contrary to their oath of office.
Gachagua also cited what he described as poor pay, inadequate equipment, lack of vehicles and other welfare challenges facing police officers.
He claimed 95 per cent of police officers support the opposition’s call for Ruto to serve one term, without providing evidence for the figure.
“Murkomen, you will have to sack 95 per cent of the National Police Service,” he said.
The DCP leader also warned tourists, investors and foreign nationals that Kenya was no longer safe, linking his warning to alleged political violence.
“I want to repeat to tourists and investors, you are not safe in this country anymore,” he said.
Gachagua’s remarks come as opposition parties intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections, with DCP seeking to establish a wider national presence.
The allegations of police complicity and organised political violence could not be independently verified.
