Gachagua Accuses Police Leadership of Cover-Up in Alex Kiprotich Abduction

DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua has launched a scathing attack on Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja over the abduction of Standard Media Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich, alleging that senior government officials were behind the incident.

In a strongly worded statement, Gachagua questioned the credibility of investigations ordered by Kanja, claiming that previous probes into alleged cases of abductions, killings and attacks had failed to produce results.

Gachagua alleged that Kiprotich was targeted because he was preparing an investigative report on alleged irregularities surrounding compensation payments to thousands of Mau Forest evictees from the Kipsigis community.

According to Gachagua, the journalist was allegedly preparing an exposé detailing how compensation funds had purportedly been diverted through officials, brokers and proxies.

He further alleged that a late-night meeting involving President William Ruto and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen preceded a decision to stop Kiprotich from publishing the investigation.

Gachagua also claimed that DCI Director Mohamed Amin ordered 24-hour surveillance of the journalist and alleged that a team led by a retired officer, whom he identified as Zachary Kariuki, was involved in the alleged abduction.

The former Deputy President claimed the team had initially intended to eliminate Kiprotich but abandoned the alleged plan after the abduction attracted public outrage.

Gachagua further linked the alleged police operation to other cases, including the disappearance of a businessman in Mlolongo and the death of Rachel Wandeto, while accusing senior security officials of failing to bring those responsible to justice.

Addressing Kanja directly, Gachagua challenged the Inspector General to release findings of investigations into the death of Wandeto, attacks on Witima ACK Church, Mwiki PCEA Church and Kariobangi PCEA Church, as well as violence reported in Ol Kalou.

“You cannot investigate your seniors, and police cannot investigate themselves,” Gachagua said, while also claiming that the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) had failed in its mandate.

He accused Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen and Internal Security PS Raymond Omollo of exerting control over the National Police Service, allegations that he said had weakened the authority of the Inspector General.

Gachagua concluded his statement with a warning to Kanja, saying he could foresee the Inspector General facing scrutiny at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague.

The allegations contained in Gachagua’s statement have not been independently established, and the officials he named would be entitled to respond to the claims.

The controversy comes amid growing public concern over the safety of journalists and allegations surrounding the circumstances of Kiprotich’s reported abduction, placing renewed focus on calls for transparent and independent investigations.