NAIROBI, Kenya — A violent confrontation marred the official launch of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’snew political vehicle, the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), in Nairobi on Thursday, raising fresh concerns about political tolerance and safety in Kenya’s heated landscape.
The incident occurred at the DCP headquarters in Lavington, where a group of armed youth allegedly stormed the premises in an attempt to disrupt the unveiling ceremony. Gachagua’s security detail responded by firing in the air to repel the attackers, resulting in chaos that left three journalists injured and media equipment destroyed.
Journalists covering the event reported being manhandled by Gachagua’s men, who allegedly brandished firearms, confiscated devices, and forcibly deleted footage from the scene.
In a fiery statement on his X account, Gachagua condemned the incident as a “coordinated attack” allegedly orchestrated by political rivals determined to sabotage his political comeback.
“Today, once again, you sent goons to attack me and members of the DCP at the party headquarters,” he wrote, pointing to a pattern of violence dating back to his fallout with the ruling coalition.
Gachagua referenced a series of past incidents—including an alleged funeral attack in Limuru, a teargas disruption in Nyandarua, and the assault of his wife and worshippers in Nyeri—to support his claim of political persecution.
He accused the police of complicity, stating that law enforcement officers had been escorting the gangs responsible and failing to prosecute offenders due to political interference.
“Does it not bother your conscience that you have resorted to using criminal gangs and goons to intimidate and attack those who no longer support you?” Gachagua posed.
In a prompt response, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen condemned the violence but shifted blame toward the DCP camp, accusing them of failing to notify police ahead of the event.
“National Police Service was not notified of the launch. Preliminary investigations indicate that Gachagua’s supporters were not paid and ended up causing the confusion,” said Murkomen, offering a different narrative that downplayed political motives.
This latest attack adds to the political tension surrounding Gachagua since his dramatic exit from the ruling coalition in late 2024. Just last month, he claimed that his life was in danger due to alleged state-sponsored intimidation and attacks on his events.
Despite the escalating threats, Gachagua remains defiant.
“Like a gentleman, just accept that you lost the trust and support of the people and move on,” he declared, signaling that his political journey under DCP is undeterred.
With elections on the horizon and rivalries hardening, Thursday’s violence may be an early preview of the stormy political road ahead.
By Kelly Were | Uzalendo News
