Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Sunday accused the police of protecting hired goons and using force against civilians after chaos erupted during his visit to Gatundu South, Kiambu County, an incident he said had hardened political resistance in the Mt Kenya region ahead of the 2027 General Election.
In a statement, Gachagua claimed residents confronted and disarmed “hundreds of goons” whom he alleged were escorted by police officers to disrupt his meetings and attack his convoy. He praised locals for what he described as bravery in protecting worshippers, mourners and rally attendees.
“I salute the people of Gatundu South for their courage and bravery. They are the true sons and daughters of Mau Mau,” Gachagua said. “I was amazed by their determination to make sure goons and state-sponsored militia are not allowed to disrupt peace.”
He alleged that police lobbed tear gas canisters inside a church after the purported attackers were overwhelmed, injuring women, children and congregants. According to Gachagua, the incident occurred as residents protected a church service, a homestead mourning four deaths, and five public rallies he was addressing in the area.
“It is unfortunate police were protecting goons instead of protecting innocent citizens,” he said, describing the events as a dangerous escalation of political violence.
Gachagua directly blamed President William Ruto for what he termed sustained intimidation of Mt Kenya leaders and residents, warning that such tactics would backfire politically. “William Ruto must know that continued violence against the mountain people only hardens their resolve to send him home on 10th August 2027,” he said.
He further claimed the confrontation had strengthened his political support in the region and sealed the fate of the area’s Member of Parliament, whom he accused of betraying voters.
The police had not issued an official statement by the time of publication, and it remained unclear who organised the alleged goons or what prompted the deployment of officers at the scene.
The Gatundu South incident adds to rising political tensions in Mt Kenya, where cracks have widened between President Ruto and his former deputy, with rallies increasingly marked by accusations of state intimidation, counter-mobilisation and police bias as the 2027 election cycle begins to take shape.
