Gachagua alleges police deployment ahead of Dagoretti meeting, raises fresh claims of brutality
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has claimed that armed police officers were deployed in Dagoretti ahead of his public meeting on Saturday, alleging a pattern of intimidation and coordinated attacks involving security officers and criminal gangs.
In a strongly worded statement directed at Inspector General Douglas Kanja, Mr Gachagua questioned the command structure of the National Police Service and accused officers of being used to target him and members of the public.
“The same squad has arrived in Dagoretti ahead of my meeting this (Saturday) afternoon to cause mayhem and attack innocent Kenyans,” he said.
He further alleged that the officers were using a vehicle previously linked to incidents in Kikuyu.
Allegations tied to Dagoretti deployment
Mr Gachagua claimed that the officers deployed in Dagoretti were conducting reconnaissance ahead of his engagement and warned that their actions could escalate tensions.
“They are using the same vehicle they used in Kikuyu,” he stated.
He also listed individual officers he alleged were involved in the operation, warning of potential legal consequences, though these claims have not been independently verified.
Chain of alleged incidents
The Dagoretti claims form part of a broader series of accusations he has made in recent weeks against the police service.
He alleged that officers have repeatedly acted in coordination with criminal groups during public events and protests.
Among the incidents he cited
At ACK Witima Church in Othaya, he claimed police officers disrupted a church service and used force against worshippers, including children and women.
“Police officers with goons… attacked children, leaders, and women in church,” he said.
He also alleged that vehicles were destroyed and teargas and live ammunition were used during the incident.
Mr Gachagua further claimed that no disciplinary action had been taken despite officers being identified.
He also referenced an incident in Kikuyu, alleging that police protected individuals involved in robbing and harassing motorists along major highways.
“Your officers protected criminals as they robbed and harassed motorists along the Nakuru highway and Southern Bypass,” he said.
He added that masked and armed officers had previously confronted him and members of the public during a separate afternoon incident in the same area.
Questions over police command
Mr Gachagua questioned whether the Inspector General retains full control over the National Police Service, suggesting political interference in operations.
“Is it that you have surrendered the command of the police to politicians or allowed the National Police Service to be converted into a criminal gang?” he posed.
No response from police leadership
Inspector General Douglas Kanja had not publicly responded to the allegations at the time of publication.
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