President William Ruto's pledge to crack down on goons and political violence has come under fresh scrutiny after former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua accused the administration of failing to protect his convoy from an alleged attack in Nakuru.
The political clash has set up a sharp contrast between the President's public assurances that criminal gangs will not be allowed to terrorise Kenyans and Gachagua's claim that such declarations amount to little more than political posturing.
Ruto has repeatedly warned that his administration will not tolerate criminality disguised as political activity.
In July, the President said peaceful demonstrations were protected by the Constitution but drew a distinction between legitimate protests and criminal acts involving destruction, looting and violence.
“Demonstrations are democratic, constitutional and legal, but we also have criminals, thugs and characters who destroy people's property, steal from people and burn down buildings,” President Ruto said.
He subsequently took an even harder line, saying the government had agreed to deal firmly with goons.
“We have agreed to discipline all the goons, and no one will be allowed to propagate crime and disrupt peace in our country,” he said.
Ruto has also maintained that political competition should remain open, with leaders allowed to sell their ideas to Kenyans without intimidation.
“Every leader should be given a chance to give their opinion,” he said, while urging politicians to ensure that their activities remained peaceful.
It is this position that Gachagua has now challenged.
Gachagua: 'It is just lip service'
The former deputy president accused the government of failing to match its words with action after his convoy was allegedly attacked in Kaptembwa, Nakuru Town West.
Gachagua claimed that people armed with axes, stones and other crude weapons confronted his convoy as police watched.
“Goons organised and paid by Susan Kihika and Samuel Arama attacked our convoy at Kaptembwa, in Nakuru Town West Constituency, with axes, rocks and other crude weapons as police watched,” he said.
He claimed that residents intervened and repulsed the attackers, helping to secure his entourage and journalists accompanying him.
“Luckily, wananchi repulsed these thugs and ensured our safety and that of the members of the 4th Estate who were also targeted,” Gachagua said.
The former deputy president then directly questioned the credibility of the President's earlier commitment to deal with political goons.
“When Mr William Ruto and Mr Kipchumba Murkomen said goons would not be allowed anywhere in the country, it was just another lie, the usual lip service and political posturing,” he said.
“They cannot do without goons,” he added.
Gachagua's accusation turns the Nakuru incident into more than a confrontation between rival political groups. He is using it to challenge the administration's record on political freedom and peaceful competition as the country heads towards the 2027 General Election.
A pledge under scrutiny
The government's position on goonism predates the current confrontation.
In December 2025, Ruto directed the police to identify and take legal action against people involved in hooliganism and incitement, saying leaders who use young people as goons to cause chaos and endanger lives should face consequences.
The President has since continued to make the issue part of his public messaging, particularly in the context of demonstrations and political gatherings.
