Gachagua Condemns “State-Sponsored Violence” in Murang’a, Accuses Ruto Regime of Brutality

 

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has issued a scathing condemnation of what he describes as “barbaric and unconstitutional violence” allegedly carried out by state-sponsored militia and rogue police officers at Ngonda Shopping Centre in Murang’a County on Sunday.

In a strongly worded statement released on Sunday evening, Gachagua accused President William Ruto and Cabinet Secretary for Interior Kipchumba Murkomen of orchestrating the attacks, which reportedly occurred after a church service attended by local residents and political leaders.

“This is barbaric, dictatorial, and a violation of the very soul of our nation, which is our Constitution,” Gachagua said. “President William Ruto, read the preamble of our Constitution. In any case, you never supported its passing in 2010, and you have never changed your position—but Kenya has gone on.”

According to eyewitness accounts and unverified social media footage, a group of armed men in plain clothes, allegedly operating under the protection or direction of police officers, descended upon congregants and political figures outside the church compound. Several people were reportedly injured, though police have yet to release an official statement on the incident.

Gachagua questioned the moral grounding of the Ruto administration, accusing the President of weaponizing religion while condoning violence.

“How do you go to church and reconcile your conscience at the Holy Altar, while you instruct your police and goons to brutalize Kenyans in the same neighborhood?” he asked.

The former Deputy President, who has increasingly distanced himself from the Kenya Kwanza government, likened the violence to the authoritarianism of past African dictators, including Idi Amin, Mobutu Sese Seko, and Sani Abacha.

“Kenya is not in the league of the times of those leaders, nor are Kenyans,” he said.

Gachagua called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of all individuals involved, including any security officers found complicit in the alleged assaults.

“To the police officers being misused by William Ruto and, by extension, the Inspector General Mr. Douglas Kanja — justice will be served, no matter how long it takes,” he warned.

Efforts to reach the Interior Ministry for comment were unsuccessful by the time of publishing. The Kenya Police Service has not issued an official report or confirmed the presence of armed groups in the area.