Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has claimed that individuals within the government are behind the chaos witnessed on Thursday, May 15 during the party’s unveiling.
Gachagua alleges that goons sent by senior government officials stormed the event and disrupted proceedings.
In a statement posted on X, Gachagua said,” Stop sending goons to attack me, my family, and my supporters. We have rights and freedoms to enjoy like other Kenyans.”
Gachagua recounted a series of similar incidents, beginning in November last year when, he claims, goons under police escort attacked him and mourners at a funeral in Limuru.
He further alleged that a known leader of an organized criminal gang, allegedly in collaboration with the government, attacked his wife and Christians at a prayer meeting in Nyeri, an act he said desecrated a place of worship.
In December, the DCP leader said police lobbed teargas canisters at him and members of the public during a prayer gathering in Nyandarua County.
He added that in January this year, goons again, allegedly under police escort, reportedly attempted to evict his children from an office they had operated for five years.
According to Gachagua, police officers have privately expressed frustration at being barred from arresting and prosecuting the perpetrators of the attacks.
He questioned why the government appears unwilling to accept that he and his supporters have withdrawn their backing of the Kenya Kwanza Government, urging those in power to seek support elsewhere.
Gov’t officials condemn chaos
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has condemned the chaos witnessed on Thursday, May 15, saying violence and divisive utterances as a way of showing political differences have no place in Kenya.
”Political formations established on the foundations of hate, parochialism, or ethnic chauvinism only serve to distract Kenya’s push towards prosperity and viability,” stated Kindiki
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen urged leaders to notify the National Police Service (NPS) of planned political activity, claiming police did not know about Gachagua’s event.
According to CS Murkomen, the chaos ensued after Gachagua’s supporters were aggrieved for not getting paid.
During the launch, three journalists were injured with reports indicating Gachagua’s security team fired shots in the air to disperse a group of rowdy goons who attempted to access the party headquarters along Musa Gitau Road, Lavington, Nairobi.
