Ex-Deputy President Gachagua Attacked in Nakuru

Former Deputy President and Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua's convoy was attacked in Nakuru Town West on Friday during his tour of the county.

Photos from the scene showed several Land Cruisers in the motorcade with shattered windscreens and rear windows following the incident.

Gachagua has accused the government of allowing armed goons to attack his convoy in Nakuru, alleging that police watched as the assailants used axes, rocks and other crude weapons.

Gachagua said the incident occurred at Kaptembwa in Nakuru Town West Constituency ahead of a series of public engagements in the county, claiming the attackers were organised and funded by political figures allied to the government.

“Goons attacked our convoy at Kaptembwa, in Nakuru Town West Constituency, with axes, rocks and other crude weapons as police watched,” Gachagua said.

The claims could not be independently verified at the time of publication.

According to Gachagua, supporters and members of the public confronted the attackers and helped secure the convoy, with journalists also among those allegedly targeted.

“Luckily, wananchi repulsed these thugs and ensured our safety and that of the members of the 4th Estate who were also targeted,” Gachagua said.

The remarks come after President William Ruto warned that political goons would not be tolerated, with Gachagua accusing the administration of failing to honour its pledge.

“When Mr. William Ruto and Mr. Kipchumba Murkomen said goons would not be allowed anywhere in the country, it was just another lie, the usual lip service and political posturing,” Gachagua said.

Gachagua accused the administration of relying on violence to suppress political competition as the country heads towards the 2027 General Election.

“They think that the only way to stop competition after being abandoned by Kenyans is through the use of violence against opponents and the employment of goons,” Gachagua said.

The allegations add to growing political tensions ahead of the 2027 polls, with rival political camps increasingly accusing each other of using violence and intimidation during public engagements.

Gachagua also warned that the alleged use of political violence could affect the country’s image among tourists, foreign visitors, diplomats and investors.

“Kenyans, tourists, all foreigners and international dignitaries in Kenya and investors have to accept that goonism is now a way of life,” Gachagua said, while urging voters to use the 2027 election to change the government.

Gachagua said supporters in Njoro, Molo and Rongai had pledged to provide protection during planned public engagements in the areas.

The allegations come at a time when political parties and security agencies are under increased pressure to ensure that political campaigns and public meetings remain peaceful as the country approaches the 2027 General Election.

A section of politicians affiliated with the party, including Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara, condemned the attack and questioned why the government was allegedly disrupting Opposition rallies.

Kihara said the Constitution guarantees politicians the right to freely conduct political activities, with the National Police Service expected to provide security during such engagements.

“We know there are goons on the Nakuru government payroll. We actually pay them with our taxes since they're on a payroll. It's unfortunate that since this is a competition, they should compete with us instead of beating us. There's no point in trying to kill us. Look at the destruction,” Kihara stated.

“This is our country. It's just so stupid that those who lead this country think they can do it using goons,” she added.

Gachagua's team began its Nakuru tour on Friday morning with the official opening of a DCP office in Naivasha town before proceeding to public engagements in Gilgil, Soko Mjinga in Nakuru Town West and Kanu House in Nakuru Town East.

The incident comes amid an escalating blame game between the Opposition and the government over allegations of using goons to disrupt political rallies.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said security agencies will deal firmly with individuals involved in political violence, noting that the National Police Service has been instructed to arrest those causing chaos at political events.

The Opposition, however, continued to accuse the government of using goons to perpetrate violence and disrupt its political activities.