Former Deputy President and Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has accused the state of attempting to suppress constitutional freedoms after police allegedly mounted roadblocks to block him from addressing supporters in Kinamba, Naivasha Constituency.
In a statement shared on X on Sunday, Gachagua praised residents of Kinamba for what he described as courage and determination in defending their right to peaceful assembly, despite what he termed as oppressive actions by security agencies.
He said efforts to stop political leaders from meeting citizens amounted to a broader threat to all Kenyans.
“Any oppressive and unconstitutional order to any Kenyan is a threat to the 55 million of us,” Gachagua said, framing the standoff as a national issue rather than a local political dispute.
The former deputy president claimed that despite police roadblocks meant to prevent leaders from accessing the area, residents gathered and demanded to be addressed.
According to Gachagua, the meeting went on as planned, with leaders engaging the crowd amid heightened security presence.
Without naming specific officials, Gachagua accused what he termed “Kenyan strongmen” of attempting to suppress a growing liberation movement.
He invoked popular sovereignty, stating that the will of the people could not be silenced by force or administrative action.
Gachagua also publicly acknowledged several leaders who accompanied him to Kinamba, including former Attorney General Justin Muturi, Senators John Methu, John Kinyua, Karungo Thang’wa and Joe Nyutu, as well as Members of Parliament Jayne Kihara, Gitonga Mukunji, Wanjiku Muhia, Edward Muriu and Amos Mwago.
He said their role would be recognised when the political moment is documented in history.
The incident comes amid rising political temperatures across the country, with opposition leaders increasingly accusing the state of using security agencies to frustrate public meetings.
Police have previously defended such actions, citing security concerns and the need to maintain public order.
Gachagua ended his statement with a call for unity, blessing residents of Kinamba and the nation at large, while reaffirming his commitment to what he described as a people-driven political struggle.