Former Deputy President and DCP leader, Rigathi Gachagua, has condemned what he described as orchestrated attacks on Kenyans during the Linda Mwananchi rally in Kakamega on Saturday.
In a social media statement, Gachagua accused senior government officials of fostering insecurity by allegedly mobilizing “goons” and providing them with police protection.
“Since independence, we have an embarrassing situation where the CS in charge of Security and his PS are the primary cause of insecurity in the country; a nation predominantly known as an island of peace in Africa,” he said.
Gachagua alleged that rogue government officials recruited youths from Kisumu to disrupt the Kakamega gathering.
The rally reportedly descended into chaos when some of the attackers were intercepted. One of the assailants, armed with a knife, was killed while attempting to harm others, while several others sustained injuries.
“The knife he had carried to go and harm others, when accosted, left him lifeless. He left his home for a few coins and will go back in a casket while others were seriously injured,” Gachagua stated.
He called on the government to address youth unemployment rather than enticing young people with handouts and sending them into harm’s way.
“Let the government officials create employment for these young people instead of enticing them with handouts and sending them to premature deaths and injuries,” he said.
Gachagua also responded to remarks by CS Murkomen, who had suggested that civilians faced tear gas during the rally. He asserted that despite teargas canisters being deployed, attendees remained resolute.
“The civilians our Celebrity CS Murkomen said are having teargas canisters lobbed on the meeting, but people were unmoved! Courage Kenyans!” he remarked.
The DCP leader warned that continued unrest and violence could have wider consequences for the government.
“Kipchumba, don’t push Kenyans beyond. Kenyans will say No! The world is watching. Your route to ICC is clearer than ever before,” Gachagua concluded.