Gachagua Laying Ground for Civilian Attacks on Law Enforcement Officers, Activist Warns State

Eldoret-based human rights activist Kipkorir Ngetich has accused former Deputy President and Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua of making inflammatory and unverified allegations against Kenya's security agencies, warning that such statements could incite civilians to attack law enforcement officers and threaten the country's peace and stability.

Speaking at his office in Eldoret on Sunday evening, Ngetich, through the Centre for Human Rights and Democracy, condemned claims allegedly made by Gachagua that security officers raped women during the recently concluded Ol Kalou by-election.

The activist described the allegations as extremely serious, saying claims of systematic sexual violence should only be made where there is credible evidence and subjected to proper investigations. He argued that making such accusations without verified facts risks creating public panic, eroding confidence in security institutions and inflaming political tensions.

Ngetich said allegations involving rape, extrajudicial killings, abductions and other serious crimes carry significant legal and social consequences and should never be used as political tools. He noted that under international law, systematic rape may amount to crimes against humanity or genocide under specific legal circumstances, making it irresponsible for political leaders to make such allegations without proof.

According to the activist, repeated attacks on the credibility of security agencies are laying the foundation for hostility between citizens and police officers. He warned that portraying law enforcement as rogue, oppressive and criminal without evidence could encourage members of the public to confront officers, resist lawful authority and disregard the rule of law.

He alleged that Gachagua had consistently used what he termed a political strategy aimed at delegitimizing state institutions by presenting security agencies as partisan and abusive. According to Ngetich, such narratives weaken public trust in institutions responsible for maintaining law and order and create an atmosphere where misinformation can thrive.

The activist expressed concern over recent incidents witnessed during demonstrations in different parts of the country, where police officers were allegedly attacked by protesters, police vehicles damaged, police stations vandalized and attempts made to seize firearms and other police equipment.

He also referred to incidents in which members of the public allegedly conducted forceful searches of police officers and their belongings, saying such actions were unprecedented and reflected a growing disregard for the authority of law enforcement agencies.

Ngetich warned that continued political rhetoric directed at discrediting security agencies could eventually encourage the emergence of illegal civilian groups claiming to provide security along political or ethnic lines, a situation he said would pose a serious threat to national security.

He further accused sections of the media of amplifying what he described as unverified allegations, arguing that the repeated publication and broadcast of such claims without independent verification risks fueling propaganda and increasing political polarization.

The human rights activist challenged the government to take what he termed firm and decisive legal action against leaders found to be spreading false information capable of inciting violence or undermining constitutional institutions. He argued that repeated warnings alone were insufficient if the authorities believed any laws had been broken.

Ngetich claimed that the former Deputy President's statements represented an attempt to create a wedge between citizens and security officers, warning that the long-term consequence could be increased attacks on law enforcement personnel and a breakdown of public order.

He urged investigative agencies to independently examine all allegations surrounding the Ol Kalou by-election and establish the facts, insisting that accountability should be based on evidence rather than political pronouncements.

The Centre for Human Rights and Democracy maintained that Kenya's democracy depends on strong institutions, respect for the rule of law and responsible political leadership, calling on all leaders to exercise restraint when making public statements on matters touching on national security.

The activist concluded by warning that unless the government acts decisively to safeguard constitutional authority and protect public institutions, the country risks heightened political instability, growing mistrust between citizens and law enforcement agencies, and increased threats to public peace.

Gachagua has previously criticized the conduct of security agencies during political events, while government officials have defended the actions of law enforcement officers. Allegations of criminal conduct by any party remain subject to investigation by the relevant authorities, and no findings have been made by a court regarding the specific claims referenced by the activist.