Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has called for the arrest and prosecution of Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat over the mysterious death of blogger Albert Ojwang’ while in police custody.
Speaking during a rally in Kirinyaga on Sunday, Gachagua demanded a thorough investigation into Ojwang’s death, which followed his arrest on defamation charges allegedly filed by DIG Lagat. Gachagua described the incident as an extrajudicial killing and accused the government of running a covert operation targeting dissenters and youth.
“This government has blood on its hands,” said Gachagua. “Many young Kenyans have been eliminated in a very cruel manner, and the state must be held responsible.” He claimed that a highly trained squad, allegedly backed by the National Intelligence Service (NIS) under Director General Noordin Haji, was behind a wave of targeted killings that have been systematically covered up.
Gachagua linked the squad directly to Ojwang’s death and urged for accountability at the highest levels of the police service.
Flanked by Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua, Gachagua also reaffirmed the opposition’s unity ahead of the 2027 general election, stating they would front a single presidential candidate to challenge President William Ruto. “The opposition is not divided. We are strong, and we are ready,” he said.
Karua echoed his sentiments, accusing President Ruto’s administration of mismanaging the country and subjecting Kenyans to authoritarian rule. “We must liberate this nation from the chains of bad governance and oppression,” she said, urging citizens to support the opposition’s efforts.
Kirinyaga Senator Kamau Murango and Woman Representative Njeri Maina also condemned the government’s proposal to remove duty on imported rice, warning that the move would cripple local farmers. “Flooding the market with foreign rice is economic sabotage,” said Murango. Maina added that it was immoral for the government to plan policies that hurt its own citizens.
Embakasi Central MP Benjamin Gathiru and Embakasi North MP James Gakuya further accused the government of gross human rights violations and called for an end to state brutality.
The mounting criticism highlights growing discontent over state conduct, economic policy, and governance, as the opposition intensifies its campaign ahead of the next elections.
Written By Rodney Mbua
