Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has launched one of his most direct attacks yet on the Kenya Kwanza administration, accusing Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo of orchestrating violence through criminal gangs and rogue security officers to intimidate government critics ahead of next year’s General Election.
In a statement released on Monday, Mr Gachagua alleged that the two senior officials were running what he described as a coordinated network of goons operating alongside plain-clothes police officers and anti-riot units to disrupt political gatherings, attack opponents and instil fear among citizens.
He further claimed that the alleged operations were being conducted on behalf of President William Ruto — an assertion likely to heighten political tensions between the government and the opposition.
"The two, on behalf of Mr William Ruto, are in charge of recruiting, financing and deploying goons to unleash terror on the people of Kenya, including inside churches, public rallies and destruction of property," Mr Gachagua alleged.
Neither Mr Murkomen nor Mr Omollo had responded to the claims by the time of publication, and the allegations could not be independently verified.
Fresh claims over church attack
Mr Gachagua linked his allegations to the chaos witnessed at Witima ACK Church in Othaya, where a political meeting at the place of worship descended into violence.
He alleged that a group he referred to as "Nairobi Sierra" was behind the incident, claiming it comprised rogue police officers operating outside the official command structure.
According to him, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) had recommended prosecution of 12 officers allegedly linked to the incident, but the process was halted and the officers instead promoted.
"After the Witima church attack, the DCI recommended the 12 police officers be prosecuted, but Mr Murkomen stopped it and instead had them promoted to their next ranks and given more responsibilities," he claimed.
The government has not publicly confirmed the existence of such recommendations.
Security agencies in focus
The former Deputy President further alleged that both the National Police Service and National Intelligence Service were facing internal strain due to what he termed parallel command structures operating outside established chains of authority.
He claimed that senior officers were frustrated by increasing politicisation of the security sector.
"Senior police officers are frustrated and are indeed embarrassed that the National Police Service has abandoned its duty of protecting life and property," he said.
Mr Gachagua also alleged that unofficial intelligence structures reporting directly to the Interior ministry had been created, bypassing formal systems.
The allegations are likely to intensify scrutiny over the independence of security agencies and their role in managing political activity as the country moves closer to elections.
The remarks come at a time of heightened political activity, with leaders across the political divide positioning themselves ahead of the next General Election.
Mr Gachagua suggested that incidents of violence and confrontation were part of a broader effort to create instability.
"As we prepare to go for the General Elections next year, it is evident that Mr Murkomen is hell-bent to create anarchy with a view of attempting to postpone the General Elections," he claimed.
He insisted that such a scenario would not be allowed, vowing that Kenyans would resist any attempt to undermine constitutional order.
"It will not be allowed. Kenyans will stand up and defend their constitutional rights," he said.
Deepening political rift
The latest accusations mark a sharp escalation in the political fallout between Mr Gachagua and the Kenya Kwanza administration following his exit from government.
Since his fallout with President Ruto, the former Deputy President has increasingly positioned himself as a key opposition figure, accusing the administration of intolerance, abuse of state power and erosion of democratic norms.
His allies have similarly alleged that state agencies are being used to suppress dissent — claims the government has consistently denied.
For the administration, the remarks are likely to be viewed as part of a broader political offensive aimed at delegitimising its leadership ahead of the election cycle.
However, for Mr Gachagua and his supporters, the issue extends beyond political rivalry.
