Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of allegedly using goons and political violence to intimidate opposition leaders and disrupt their public engagements.

Gachagua claimed that remarks by President William Ruto and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen that goons would not be tolerated anywhere in the country amounted to “lip service and political posturing,” arguing that the government had failed to stop violence targeting its political opponents.

According to the former Deputy President, his convoy was attacked in Kaptembwa, Nakuru Town West Constituency, ahead of his planned public engagements in Nakuru.

Gachagua alleged that individuals linked to Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika and area MP Samuel Arama attacked the convoy using axes, rocks and other crude weapons, while accusing police officers of watching as the confrontation unfolded.

He said residents intervened and repulsed the attackers, helping to secure the safety of his team and members of the Fourth Estate who, he claimed, were also targeted during the incident.

“The people of Kenya will not be intimidated by goonism,” Gachagua said, maintaining that political violence could not be used to suppress growing competition ahead of the 2027 General Election.

He accused the government of resorting to intimidation because, in his view, it had lost the support of a section of Kenyans and was increasingly facing political competition across the country.

Gachagua further warned that what he described as the “dictatorial regime” would eventually be removed through the ballot, urging Kenyans to prepare for the 2027 elections.

He maintained that the political contest should be determined by voters rather than violence, threats or intimidation, while calling on citizens to remain vigilant and protect their democratic rights.

The DCP leader also said his supporters in Njoro, Molo and Rongai had assured him of adequate protection during his upcoming public engagements in Nakuru, following the alleged attack in Kaptembwa.

His remarks are likely to intensify the political debate surrounding growing accusations of violence at political gatherings, with opposition leaders demanding stronger action from security agencies to ensure that political activities are conducted peacefully.

The allegations against Governor Kihika, MP Arama and their supporters remain claims made by Gachagua and would require independent investigation and evidence to establish responsibility for the alleged attack.

Gachagua's latest statement comes as political parties and leaders begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election, with political rallies and grassroots mobilisation expected to increase in the coming months.