Liaise with police - IG Kanja responds to Gachagua's assassination claims

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja. [File, Standard]

The Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja has urged former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to liaise with police officers at all levels for additional security measures.

In a rejoinder following his (Gachagua's) statement earlier on Tuesday, Kanja refuted reports that authorities had failed to provide him with security, alleging multiple assassination attempts and demanding immediate action.

"The IG wished to reaffirm that the National Police Service plays a pivotal role in promoting and safeguarding national security, ensuring the safety of all Kenyans, residents, visitors, and their property," Kanja stated.

At the same time, the Inspector General has called on Gachagua to notify the police in advance of his movements and public engagements to facilitate proper planning and coordination of his security arrangements.

"Furthermore, the service reaffirms its unwavering commitment to constitutional impartiality, serving all persons without political bias," he added.

In his letter to Kanja, Gachagua had demanded the immediate provision of security for himself, which he says was withdrawn following his impeachment last year.

The former DP also 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.

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 perpetuating crime and violence.”