Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has raised serious concerns over the conduct of the National Police Service, accusing officers of escorting armed goons in Nyeri Town ahead of his public meeting.
In a strongly worded statement addressed to the Inspector General of Police, Gachagua questioned why police officers were allegedly accompanying individuals armed with crude weapons while they harassed residents in the town. He said the incident directly contradicts President William Ruto’s public instructions that criminal gangs and goons should not be allowed to terrorize Kenyans anywhere in the country.
“Bwana IG, I thought the President gave you instructions in public that goons should not be allowed to terrorize Kenyans anywhere in Kenya?” Gachagua posed.
The former deputy president expressed alarm that instead of protecting citizens, police officers were allegedly facilitating intimidation and insecurity. He argued that such actions undermine public trust in law enforcement and raise serious questions about political neutrality and professionalism within the security agencies.
Gachagua further claimed that the alleged police conduct appeared intended to disrupt or intimidate residents ahead of his scheduled meeting in Nyeri later that afternoon. He warned that the use of violence, intimidation, or state machinery to suppress political engagement is dangerous and unacceptable in a democratic society.
“Why are your officers escorting goons armed with crude weapons in the streets of Nyeri Town harassing residents ahead of my meeting this afternoon?” he asked.
The claims come amid heightened political tensions in parts of the country, with leaders increasingly accusing security agencies of selective enforcement and political bias. Gachagua’s statement adds to growing public scrutiny over the role of the police in managing political activities and safeguarding constitutional freedoms.
As the situation unfolds, pressure is mounting on the Inspector General to respond to the allegations and clarify the actions of officers in Nyeri. The incident is likely to fuel broader debate on police accountability, the protection of civil liberties, and the conduct of security agencies during politically sensitive events.https://x.com/rigathi/status/2009241899320676388?s=20
