Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has alleged a planned security operation targeting civilians ahead of the Gen Z protests scheduled for Thursday, June 25, raising fresh concerns over policing and public safety.
In a statement issued on Wednesday night, Gachagua claimed that a group of police officers operating under the code name “Nairobi Sierra” had been deployed to coordinate violence in parts of Nyeri County.
He linked the same group to a January incident at Witima ACK Church in Othaya, where armed officers reportedly disrupted a church service using guns and tear gas.
“They were hosted to kingly breakfast and briefing by his wife. Armed to the teeth, two hours later, they made a cowardly and sacrilegious attack on Witima ACK church in Othaya with guns and tear gas but their mission aborted. Women and children in the church cried their tears and blood out,” Gachagua said.
The former deputy president further claimed that the officers were identified after the incident and recommended for prosecution, but were instead promoted and reassigned to sensitive operations targeting individuals perceived to be opposed to President William Ruto’s administration.
He alleged that the unit has since been expanded and is currently operating in the Karatina area, where it is expected to coordinate disruptions targeting businesses before security forces move in.
“As we speak, the now enhanced killer squad of 15 has arrived at the same MP’s home in Gatura a few kilometers from Karatina for dinner and briefing this evening. They will coordinate attacks on people’s businesses in Karatina town and cause havoc before being joined by the General Service Unit to ‘restore order’ and normalcy,” he said.
Gachagua also claimed he could be a target, linking the alleged operation to Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Deputy Inspector General Lagat.
He said the same officers had previously attempted to assassinate him during the church incident.
The allegations come amid heightened tension as Gen Z-led protests mark the anniversary of the 2024 demonstrations that left several people dead and intensified calls for police accountability.