Gachagua: We will protect ourselves against goons

Rigathi Gachagua, former Deputy President and leader of the Democratic Coalition Party (DCP), has vowed to take matters into his own hands after claiming that goons are targeting his political campaigns. Speaking during the official opening of DCP offices in Nakuru, Gachagua accused President William Ruto of orchestrating disruptions through a Nakuru-based member of Parliament, alleging that this individual had hired goons to attack his rallies. The accusations come amid reports of an attack on Gachagua’s convoy in Kaptembwo, Nakuru West Sub-County, which forced him to cancel a campaign event and flee the area. During the attack, six vehicles belonging to DCP leaders, including Ol-Kalou MP Samuel Waweru, were vandalized. The incident prompted Gachagua to warn that his supporters would defend themselves if the police failed to provide adequate security. He stated that his team had received intelligence suggesting that the National Police Service (NPS) had been ordered to avoid areas where his rallies were taking place. This information came a day after the attack, which Gachagua described as a deliberate attempt to undermine his campaign efforts. Gachagua specifically named a Nakuru MP, whom he claimed was affiliated with the Jubilee Party, as being complicit in the disruption. He said the MP was being used by President Ruto to create chaos. In response, Gachagua indicated that he had contacted Jubilee Party leaders to address the issue, stating that if the MP was indeed acting under the direction of the president, he should be removed from office. This could influence future interactions between the DCP and the Jubilee Party. In addition to accusing the president and the MP, Gachagua criticized senior police officials in Nakuru for allegedly colluding with goons to disrupt his rallies. He noted that while some junior police officers were reportedly unhappy with being forced to participate in such activities, others were struggling with low pay, insufficient funding, and a lack of resources. These conditions, according to Gachagua, made some officers more susceptible to corruption or coercion. The former Deputy President emphasized that his team had initially hoped for government support and protection but had since shifted to a state of heightened vigilance. “We stood down our guard, hoping for protection from the government, but we are now on high alert and we will protect ourselves,” Gachagua said during his speech in Nakuru. The allegations against the police and the Jubilee Party MP follow a broader pattern of tension between Gachagua's DCP and the current administration. His claims suggest a deepening rift within the political landscape of Kenya, particularly between the DCP and the ruling coalition led by President Ruto. The situation has raised concerns about the safety of political figures and the effectiveness of law enforcement in maintaining public order during election periods. Gachagua’s statements have drawn attention to the role of local politicians in inciting unrest and the potential vulnerabilities within the police force. His remarks also highlight the challenges faced by opposition parties in securing safe environments for their campaigns. As the election season progresses, these issues are likely to remain at the forefront of political discourse in Kenya. The incident in Kaptembwo has sparked discussions among political analysts and observers about the implications for national security and the integrity of the electoral process. With Gachagua vowing to protect himself and his supporters, the coming weeks will see increased scrutiny of both the police and the political strategies employed by rival factions.