Ousted Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has raised concerns over what he describes as a campaign of intimidation, harassment, and surveillance orchestrated by state agents under President William Ruto’s administration.
Gachagua who was impeached in October 2024, claimed that unmarked cars, suspected to be used by security agents, have been stationed outside his Nairobi residence, tracking his movements and monitoring his visitors. The former deputy claims this surveillance extends beyond the city, with agents following him even to his rural home in Nyeri.
“Security agents in unmarked cars have been following me wherever I go. They are parking at the entrance of my Nairobi residence, taking note of all my visitors, and they trail me whenever I leave the house, even to my rural home in Nyeri,” Gachagua stated.
He recounted a specific incident from last Sunday, when a saloon car parked outside his home followed him to a church service at PCEA Kerarapon, accompanied him to a late lunch venue, and then returned to his residence.
Gachagua said that he discovered the number plates were registered to a lorry upon investigating the vehicle’s registration through the NTSA portal.
“This surveillance and intimidation of Kenyans was last witnessed during the era of the dreaded ‘Special Branch’ during the 24 years of Moi’s misrule,” he lamented.
Gachagua further expressed fears for his safety, citing Kenya’s recent history of extrajudicial killings, forced abductions, and disappearances.
“In this era of extrajudicial killings, forced abductions, and disappearances by state agents, I have thought it important to share with Kenyans the harassment and intimidation I am going through, and inform them to hold the state responsible if I am harmed by state agents,” he said, urging the government to cease what he perceives as harassment.
The former deputy, who had a falling out with President Ruto before his impeachment, pleaded for peace.
“You hounded me out of office, and you should now allow me to enjoy my peace as a private citizen,” he added.
Following his impeachment, the former deputy claimed his life was in immediate danger, accusing President Ruto of orchestrating plots to harm him.
Assassination attempts
At a press conference on October 20, 2024, the ousted DP revealed that two assassination attempts had been made on his life during his tenure as Deputy President.
He recounted two incidents where his life was allegedly in danger. The first, he claimed, occurred on August 30 in Kisumu, where undercover agents entered his hotel room, bugged it, and attempted to poison his food.
“They bugged my room, and one of them tried to poison my food, but we detected it and escaped the scheme. I was supposed to be killed through poisoning,” Gachagua accused.
Adding;
“Leave me alone, my brother, President William Ruto. I can’t believe you are the man I helped become president,” Gachagua said at the time.
Gachagua summoned
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) called upon Gachagua to present evidence backing his claims.
In a summon letter dated Monday, October 21, 2024, the former Deputy President was directed to appear at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters on Kiambu Road, Nairobi, the following day, October 22.
“On October 20, 2024, during a press conference, you publicly stated that there had been multiple assassination attempts on your life. You were quoted saying, ‘On August 30, in Kisumu, undercover security agents entered my room, bugged it, and one of them tried to poison my food. We detected it and were able to escape the scheme. I was supposed to be killed by food poisoning,” the letter summon read in part.
Adding;
“These are serious allegations emanating from a person of your stature and cannot be taken lightly. In light of the seriousness of this matter, we kindly request your presence on October 22 2024 at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Headquarters, Mazingira Complex-Kiambu Road.”
“We understand the sensitivity of the allegations and assure you that this matter will be handled with the seriousness it deserves. Your statement is a crucial component of our investigation. Thank you for your prompt attention and your cooperation,” DCI stated.