Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has released a strongly worded statement condemning the state of security in the country, faulting Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Principal Secretary Raymond Omolo for what he described as orchestrating violence against ordinary citizens.
Gachagua described the situation as “very, very sad,” saying that since independence, Kenya, long regarded as an Island of Peace in Africa, has faced an embarrassing situation where top security officials are allegedly the primary cause of insecurity.
“They are in charge of mobilizing goons and giving them police escort to unleash violence on innocent citizens. It is unbelievable that those entrusted with securing the people have been organizing goons and rogue police to attack our churches and then shielding them from prosecution,” Gachagua said.
He cited a recent incident in Kitengela and today in Kakamega where, he claims, government-organized goons from Kisumu attacked fellow Kenyans under police protection. One attacker reportedly died while carrying a knife intended to harm others, while several civilians sustained serious injuries.
The DCP Party leader called on government officials to focus on creating employment for young people instead of enticing them with handouts and sending them into harm’s way.
He also criticized the Saturday Linda Mwananchi public where, according to him, civilians were subjected to tear gas but remained resilient.
“Courage, Kenyans! Kipchumba, don’t push Kenyans beyond. The world is watching. Your route to ICC is clearer than ever before,” Gachagua warned.
The ex-Deputy President’s statement adds another layer of tension to an already fraught security environment, highlighting growing public frustration over lawlessness and the alleged misuse of state resources for political ends.
A day ago, Police boss IG Charles Kanja announced that, going forward, they will allow the police to use live bullets citing depleted protest kits within the police department.
Speaking this week, CS Murkomen shifted blame to Mwananchi for carrying and mishandling teargas instead of leaving that to only the police.