Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has launched a sharp attack on Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja, accusing him of failing to curb rising political violence and allowing organised goons to disrupt public events across the country.
In a strongly worded statement shared on social media, Gachagua said Kenya was drifting into a dangerous culture of intimidation because the police leadership had become “complicit or powerless” in the face of political attacks. He singled out the Inspector-General, saying: “IG, National Police Service, Mr. Douglas Kanja, you are the weakest link in stopping political violence and goonism in Kenya.”
Gachagua, who has increasingly positioned himself as a critic of President William Ruto’s inner circle, claimed that violent groups were being deployed to intimidate leaders who hold dissenting views. “Your failures are enabling lawlessness,” he said, warning that ordinary citizens were being left exposed as politicians mobilise youth to disrupt meetings and silence rivals.
His remarks come amid a spike in clashes at political rallies, including recent confrontations in parts of Nairobi, Nyeri, and Meru, where rival groups hurled stones and attempted to block opponents from addressing supporters. Human rights organisations have in recent weeks raised concerns about the growing brazenness of youth groups aligned to senior politicians.
Police commanders have dismissed accusations of inaction, insisting that officers respond to threats as they emerge. But critics argue that enforcement has been selective, with some cases attracting swift arrests while others—particularly those involving powerful politicians—seem to stall.
Gachagua urged the Inspector-General to “act impartially and decisively,” adding that Kenya’s stability depended on a police service that protects all citizens regardless of political affiliation.
The National Police Service had not responded to his allegations by Tuesday night.
