In a strongly worded statement, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has come out sharply against what he describes as a violent and state-sponsored assault on civilians and leaders at Ngonda Shopping Centre in Murang’a County. The incident, which reportedly occurred after a Sunday church service, has sparked widespread outrage and renewed calls for accountability within the security apparatus of the country.
Gachagua condemned the attack, terming it “barbaric, dictatorial, and an affront to the very soul of our nation—the Constitution.” He alleged that the violence was orchestrated by state-sponsored militia and rogue police officers operating under the directive of President William Ruto and Cabinet Secretary for Interior, Kipchumba Murkomen.
“What happened in Murang’a is not only unlawful but a gross violation of the rights and dignity of Kenyans. It is unacceptable that such acts of violence would be committed, especially on a holy day of worship,” Gachagua lamented.
He accused President Ruto of using the police and other state instruments to silence dissent and intimidate political opponents, drawing comparisons to notorious African dictators such as Idi Amin, Mobutu Sese Seko, and Charles Taylor. “Africa has seen many dictators in history, but Kenya is not in that era, and Kenyans are not that people,” he asserted.
The former Deputy President questioned President Ruto’s conscience, asking how he could attend church services while allegedly ordering violent crackdowns on innocent citizens in the same vicinity. “Mr. Ruto, what do you gain through bloodshed and violence? How do you reconcile your conscience at the holy altar while you unleash terror on the people?” he posed.
Gachagua further reminded the President of his long-standing opposition to Kenya’s 2010 Constitution, which he claims Ruto has never accepted nor respected. He accused the current administration of mutilating the Constitution through actions that contradict its spirit and intent.
Calling for justice, Gachagua demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of the police officers and individuals involved in the Murang’a attack. He also warned officers against being used as tools of oppression, emphasizing that justice will eventually prevail, regardless of how long it takes.
He placed direct responsibility on the shoulders of the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Douglas Kanja, urging him to uphold professionalism and not allow the police service to be misused for political gain.
“This is not just an attack on individuals. It is an attack on our democracy, our freedoms, and our constitution. Kenyans will not be cowed into submission. We cannot and will not be governed by fear,” Gachagua concluded.
The statement has added fuel to the already growing debate on state repression, police brutality, and the shrinking democratic space in Kenya. As calls for investigations continue to mount, the nation watches closely for the government’s response and whether justice will be served.
