Ex-DP Gachagua alleges assassination attempts, demands protection

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua during an interview with KTN at his Karen residence on April 7, 2025. [Benard Orwongo, Standard]

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has written to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, alleging multiple assassination attempts and demanding immediate action.

In a letter seen by The Standard, Gachagua is now calling for the arrest and prosecution of individuals he claims are known to the police.

He also demands the immediate provision of security for himself, which he says was withdrawn following his impeachment last year.

The former DP listed six incidents in which he and his supporters were allegedly attacked by ‘organised criminal gangs,’ the most recent happening on April 6, during a church service at PCEA Kasarani in the Mwiki, Nairobi.

“A battalion of furious gangsters wielding machetes and crude weapons stormed the church where I was worshipping and caused chaos of unthinkable magnitude,” he wrote.

He cited several other incidents, most of which took place during church services or prayer rallies, with cases dating back to November 2024.

 "You are well aware that security agencies have been trailing me using marked and unmarked vehicles, notably on December 19, 2024," he said, urging the Inspector General of Police to end the surveillance.

Gachagua further accused the police of colluding with the perpetrators, exposing him to potential attacks.

“As you are aware, you have a constitutional duty and responsibility to protect the life and property of every Kenyan as enshrined in the Constitution. However, in this case, Mr Kanja, you are clearly perpetuating crime and violence.”

Gachagua further warned that Kanja would be held accountable for any more acts of violence or assassination attempts against him.

This is not the first time the former Deputy President has made such claims. In October last year, he alleged threats to his life shortly after being discharged from the hospital.

"On August 30, while I was in Kisumu, there was an assassination attempt on me after my food was poisoned. Fortunately, we found out early enough. The second time was in Nyeri where I was meeting the Kikuyu Council of elders," he said.