Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has sharply criticised President William Ruto following his directive to security agencies to crack down on “goons” across the country, escalating an already heated national debate on law and order.
In a statement issued hours after the President’s remarks, Gachagua questioned the timing and sincerity of the directive, accusing the Head of State of inconsistency and failure to address what he termed as deeper security failures.
He challenged Ruto to explain why such orders were being issued now, suggesting that similar warnings had been made before without tangible results.
“Mr. William Ruto, I have heard that today you ordered that goons and criminals be dealt with across the country. Fair enough. But is this the first time you are saying this?” Gachagua posed, before alleging that individuals linked to political circles continue to operate with impunity.
Allegations Against Security Leadership
The former deputy president shifted focus to the Ministry of Interior, directly accusing Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo of presiding over what he described as a breakdown of law enforcement structures.
According to Gachagua, the central issue is not merely criminal gangs but alleged collusion between rogue police officers and organised groups.
He claimed that such elements have been used to intimidate civilians, raising concerns about the independence and professionalism of the National Police Service.
“It is rogue police officers working with goons to terrorise Kenyans,” he stated, adding that the situation either reflects direct authorisation from the top leadership or a loss of control within government ranks.
Ol Kalou Incident Cited
Gachagua referenced recent unrest in Ol Kalou, Nyandarua County, as a case study, alleging excessive use of force and coordinated operations involving both uniformed and plainclothes officers.
He claimed that heavily armed personnel were deployed in large numbers, resulting in civilian casualties and injuries.
He further alleged that despite the scale of the operation and reported abuses, no arrests have been made, raising questions about accountability within the security apparatus.
The claims included assertions of violence, injuries, and misconduct during the incident, though these remain matters of public contention and have not been independently verified by authorities.
Political Tensions and Accountability Debate
The remarks underscore widening political divisions, with Gachagua accusing the administration of deflecting responsibility by focusing on “goons” while ignoring alleged institutional failures.
He also linked the issue to broader concerns about investor confidence and national stability, arguing that insecurity could undermine Kenya’s economic outlook.
President Ruto, in his earlier address, had maintained that criminal elements exploiting protests and public gatherings would not be tolerated, directing security agencies to act decisively within the law.
He emphasised the need to distinguish between lawful demonstrations and criminal activity.