Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused the state of orchestrating and shielding violence in Gatundu South, claiming that residents courageously stood up to goons allegedly deployed to disrupt peaceful gatherings and intimidate his supporters.
In a strongly worded statement, Gachagua saluted the people of Gatundu South for what he termed courage and resilience, describing them as the “true sons and daughters of Mau Mau.” He said he was struck by their determination to ensure peace and prevent what he alleged were state-sponsored militia from causing chaos.
According to Gachagua, residents repulsed and disarmed hundreds of goons who he claimed were operating under police protection and had been sent to attack supporters and disrupt his convoy. He said the community successfully safeguarded churches, women, children, mourning families, and five public rallies held in the area.
“They protected the church, women, children, and the home mourning four departed souls, as well as the public meetings we held,” he said.
Gachagua expressed outrage at the conduct of the police, accusing them of siding with violent groups rather than protecting innocent citizens. He alleged that after the goons they were escorting were overwhelmed, police lobbed tear gas canisters into a church, injuring women, children, and congregants.
“It is unfortunate that police were protecting goons instead of protecting innocent citizens,” he said, describing the incident as a serious betrayal of public trust.
He warned President William Ruto that continued use of violence against communities in the Mt Kenya region would only strengthen opposition resolve. According to Gachagua, the events in Gatundu South have deepened public anger and solidified political resistance against the current administration.
“Continued violence against the mountain people only hardens their resolve to send him home on 10th August 2027,” he declared.
Gachagua also claimed that the violence has sealed the political fate of the local Member of Parliament, accusing the lawmaker of betraying constituents repeatedly.
The incident adds to growing political tensions in the Mt Kenya region, with allegations of state intimidation and police partisanship increasingly featuring in opposition rhetoric as the 2027 election cycle approaches.
