Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has claimed that his life, and that of his family, is under serious threat. Speaking in an interview on Wednesday, March 18, Gachagua said he has faced at least 24 attacks, including incidents in churches, with police taking no action despite reports being filed.
“To be very honest, I am deeply concerned for my safety and that of my family, because since my impeachment, there have been repeated attempts to intimidate me,” he said.
Gachagua asserted that these attacks are designed to pressure him into stopping his criticisms of President William Ruto’s administration.
However, the former DP vowed not to be cowed by intimidation. “If I decided to retreat to my Wamunyoro home, they would have succeeded. But I will continue my work,” he insisted.
Gachagua also dismissed fears that Kenya could regress to the political climate of Uganda or Tanzania, where opposition leaders face persecution without due process.
“Kenya is a democracy full of freedom fighters. Kenyans have a history of rejecting forced rule or intimidation,” he said.
Drawing comparisons between the Ruto government and colonial-era oppression, Gachagua criticized the regime for what he described as political harassment and undue interference in opposition activities.
He admitted he erred in supporting Ruto during the 2022 elections and mobilizing votes from the Mount Kenya region but promised to correct his stance.
He further accused the government of hiring thugs to disrupt United Opposition and Linda Mwananchi rallies and church gatherings, though Police Inspector General Douglas Kanja stated law enforcement has no time for such acts.
Tags
Politics