(Nairobi) – Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has claimed that Kenyan security agents in unmarked cars have been monitoring his movements and trailing him to various locations, including his Nairobi residence and rural home in Nyeri County.
Sharing his concerns in a late-night social media post on November 20, 2024, Gachagua alleged, “They are parking at the entrance of my Nairobi residence, taking note of all my visitors, and they trail me wherever I go, even all the way to my rural home in Nyeri.”
Attempts to reach the National Police Service Commission’s spokesperson, Dr. Resila Onyango, for comment were unsuccessful. Similarly, government spokesman Mr. Isaac Mwaura did not respond to calls or text messages regarding Mr. Gachagua’s claims.
A source at police headquarters acknowledged the sensitive nature of Gachagua’s security situation. Speaking anonymously, the source remarked, “Mr. Gachagua remains a critical component of national stability. Given the political emotions he has stirred, ensuring his safety is paramount. Our monitoring aims to prevent any malicious schemes against him that could destabilize the country.”
The source also urged Gachagua to remain calm, suggesting, “If I were him, I would stop being unnecessarily paranoid, pretend not to notice anything, and continue with his plans because, after all, he is a free man.”
Gachagua’s allegations come just a month after his impeachment and subsequent replacement by Prof. Kithure Kindiki as Deputy President. This is not the first time Gachagua has raised concerns about his safety.
After being discharged from Karen Hospital on October 20, 2024, Gachagua claimed that state operatives had attempted to assassinate him during his hospitalization. He previously accused the state of poisoning attempts during a visit to Luo Nyanza on August 30, 2024, where he reportedly received an enthusiastic reception that upset political critics. “They bugged my room, and one of them tried to poison my food, but we detected it and escaped the scheme,” Gachagua alleged.
In another incident in Nyeri County, Gachagua alleged that undercover agents attempted to poison a meal he was to share with the Kikuyu Council of Elders. While he claimed to have reported these incidents to the National Intelligence Service (NIS), he declined an official summons by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to provide further details.
The DCI had described Gachagua’s allegations as “serious” and urged his cooperation in investigations. “These are serious allegations emanating from a person of your stature and cannot be taken lightly,” the agency stated in a letter to him.
Gachagua’s supporters, including grassroots leaders and politicians, have echoed concerns about heightened surveillance. Embakasi Central MP Benjamin Gathiru alleged that pro-Gachagua allies were being trailed by police in unmarked vehicles. “These officers are selling the fear of death,” Gathiru said.
Similar incidents have been reported in Murang’a County, where tensions against pro-Gachagua politicians have escalated. On November 8, 2024, Wamuga Mwangi, a grassroots organizer, reported an armed raid at his home. The assailants, allegedly state agents, seized electronic devices and documents, accusing Mwangi of espionage against President Ruto.
Another alarming case involved the detention of 23-year-old Eutychus Ngechu from Kigumo constituency on November 15, 2024. Detained for over 48 hours, Ngechu claimed that authorities warned him against aligning with Gachagua’s political faction. “They told me that fighting the government is a dangerous thing,” Ngechu recounted after his release on bail of KES 20,000 (approximately $135).
| Key Allegations by Rigathi Gachagua | Details |
|---|---|
| Surveillance by state agents | Unmarked cars allegedly trail him to multiple locations. |
| Assassination attempts | Poisoning plots in Nairobi and Nyeri County. |
| Harassment of supporters | Reports of arrests, raids, and intimidation of pro-Gachagua allies. |