In a shocking turn of events, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has revealed that his homes in Nairobi and his ancestral home in Mathira, Nyeri, are now under the watchful eyes of a group of volunteers, all former members of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), the National Police Service, and the Kenya Wildlife Service.
This unexpected development follows the controversial decision by President William Ruto’s government to withdraw Gachagua’s official security detail, a move that has sparked widespread political speculation and alarm.
The decision to strip Gachagua of his security detail, which took place in late November, has raised eyebrows. Gachagua himself has made it clear that the withdrawal was not just a routine procedure but a politically motivated move linked to accusations that he was sponsoring dissent against Ruto’s government.
Gachagua has long been known for his outspoken views and has positioned himself as a key figure in the political landscape, especially in the Mt. Kenya region. However, sources within the Interior Ministry have hinted that powerful figures within the government are keen on curtailing his influence, fearing his activities could spark an early campaign season and destabilize the current administration.
As his security was pulled back, Gachagua found himself relying on a team of volunteer security personnel. These individuals, who once served in various branches of Kenya’s security forces, are now acting as his personal guards, providing protection for the former deputy president during a time when tensions within the government are at their peak.
The group, which includes both men and women with a wealth of experience in security operations, has been described by Gachagua as “a committed team of volunteers who have pledged to serve and protect me.”
The political rift between Gachagua and Ruto has been well-documented, especially in recent months as Gachagua’s ambitions within the Mt. Kenya region have clashed with the direction of Ruto’s government.
While Gachagua remains a prominent figure within the ruling party, rumors have swirled that he might be positioning himself for a higher political office, a move that could challenge Ruto’s authority. These ambitions are reportedly not sitting well with certain factions within the government, who see Gachagua as a threat to the unity of the ruling party and the stability of Ruto’s administration.
Confidential sources within the Interior Ministry have indicated that there are powerful forces within the country who view Gachagua’s actions as disruptive and are eager to keep him from igniting an early election fever. The withdrawal of his security detail is believed to be a tactic to weaken his political standing, essentially sending a message that any attempts to sow division or defy the president’s agenda will not be tolerated.
The implications of this move are far-reaching. Not only does it reveal the deepening divisions within the government, but it also highlights the lengths to which certain factions are willing to go in order to assert control. The withdrawal of Gachagua’s security, along with his reliance on volunteer guards, serves as a stark reminder of the volatile nature of Kenyan politics and the ongoing struggle for power within the corridors of power.
Whether this move will further alienate Gachagua from the ruling party or galvanize his supporters remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain: Kenya’s political landscape is shifting, and Gachagua’s future role will undoubtedly be a topic of intense debate in the months ahead.
