Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has made a series of startling claims regarding an assassination attempt on a former National Intelligence Service (NIS) officer he had employed. In a recent interview with Kikuyu vernacular stations, Gachagua revealed that the officer, whom he had hired to assist in the fight against illicit brew, was trailed and shot by hired assassins.
The Incident
According to Gachagua, the ex-NIS officer had been dismissed from the intelligence service before joining his team. The DP alleged that the officer was targeted in an attempt to intimidate him. Describing the incident, Gachagua said, “As that officer was leaving his home in Kileleshwa, someone on a motorbike shot at him but the bullet missed his head and landed on his shoulder. He visited a Nairobi hospital for one week where the bullet was removed.”
Implications of the Attack
Gachagua asserted that the attack was orchestrated by individuals aiming to instill fear in him. He expressed frustration that the assassin has never been apprehended, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the security agencies tasked with protecting high-profile individuals and maintaining law and order.
Claims of Intimidation by State Entities
The Deputy President did not stop at the assassination attempt. He went on to accuse certain state entities, particularly the NIS and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), of being used to fight and intimidate him. He alleged that his phone calls, along with those of his close associates, were being intercepted. “Every person who I have been calling, our phone conversations are tapped and recorded and then they would ask them what they wanted from me, and I am the Deputy President,” Gachagua claimed.
Criticism of NIS Director Noordin Hajji
In a broader critique, Gachagua accused NIS Director Noordin Hajji of complacency and providing misleading information to President William Ruto. He pointed to the countrywide protests against the Finance Bill 2024, suggesting that the NIS had failed to appropriately advise the president on the public’s sentiment and the potential repercussions.
Calls for Resignation and Allegations of Mismanagement
Gachagua did not mince words in his criticism of Hajji. He called for the NIS director’s resignation, accusing him of mismanaging the intelligence service. According to the Deputy President, key officials who were instrumental in the operations of the NIS have been dismissed, leaving the agency a shell of its former self.
Context and Potential Ramifications
These allegations come at a time of heightened political tension in Kenya. The Finance Bill 2024 has been a particularly contentious issue, sparking widespread protests and criticism from various quarters. Gachagua’s claims add a new dimension to the ongoing debate about governance and security in the country.
The Deputy President’s assertions, if true, raise serious concerns about the integrity and effectiveness of Kenya’s intelligence and security agencies. They also highlight the potential dangers faced by public officials and their associates in a highly charged political environment.
Conclusion
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s revelations about the assassination attempt on an ex-NIS officer and the alleged misuse of state entities to intimidate him have sent shockwaves through the political landscape. As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how these claims will impact the broader discourse on security, governance, and political accountability in Kenya. The allegations underscore the need for a thorough investigation to ensure that the country’s security apparatus operates with integrity and impartiality.
