Governor Stephen Sang Slams Rigathi Gachagua for “Frustrating Government Efforts” Amid Unrest

Nandi Governor Stephen Sang has hit out at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of undermining the Kenya Kwanza administration as it works to restore order and fix what he termed as “mess” left by the previous regime.

Speaking during a public event in Kapseret, Uasin Gishu County, Governor Sang dismissed recent criticisms directed at the government, particularly in the wake of ongoing protests sparked by the death of blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody.

“We are asking the previous administration and those elements that were part of the previous administration… We are fixing your mess. The only thing you can do is keep your cool and watch us fix your mess,” said Sang.

He cautioned critics—specifically Gachagua and his allies—against offering what he called hypocritical lectures on governance, human rights, and accountability. According to the governor, many of the challenges currently facing the country, including police abuse and public mistrust, stem from systemic failures under the previous leadership.

Governor Sang also defended the government’s decision to allow an independent investigation into the controversial death of Ojwang, whose case has ignited nationwide protests, particularly among Kenya’s youth. He argued that those opposing the inquiry should themselves come under scrutiny.

“For anybody who is against an independent investigation into the murder of Albert Ojwang, we must investigate what they know about the murder,” he stated.

Ojwang, a popular online activist and government critic, died after being detained at Nairobi’s Central Police Station. His arrest followed a complaint filed by Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat. The circumstances surrounding his death have since drawn outrage and calls for Lagat’s resignation.

As the protests continue to swell, tensions remain high, with the Kenya Kwanza administration facing mounting pressure from opposition leaders and civil society groups demanding justice, police reform, and an end to state-sponsored violence.

Governor Sang's remarks are likely to further deepen the rift between current government officials and former high-ranking leaders like Gachagua, who has positioned himself as a vocal critic of President William Ruto’s administration.

June 18, 2025