Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has sparked a fresh political controversy by suggesting that President William Ruto’s silence on the ongoing abductions in Kenya signals his approval of the actions. Speaking in Nyeri on Friday, Gachagua expressed his concerns about the rising number of abductions, which have mainly targeted individuals critical of Ruto’s administration. He urged the President to take responsibility and address the issue to prevent further escalations.
According to Gachagua, the absence of a strong response from Ruto on the matter implies tacit consent, claiming that remaining silent or inactive on such a grave issue sends the message that these acts are occurring with the President’s knowledge. “To remain silent or inactive is to suggest that these actions are being carried out with his knowledge and consent,” Gachagua said. His statement comes amid mounting public outcry over the abductions, which critics argue are politically motivated.
The former DP further criticized the police force for failing to act decisively on the crisis. Despite mounting evidence, including CCTV footage and testimonies from witnesses, Gachagua claimed that law enforcement has been in denial. “How can the police still be in denial when there are witnesses, CCTV footage, and countless grieving families coming forward?” he questioned. His remarks reflect growing frustration with the security apparatus, which many Kenyans accuse of being complicit or ineffective in addressing the issue.
Gachagua also took aim at the government’s handling of the National Intelligence Service (NIS), calling out the agency’s dysfunctionality and its failure to prevent recent crises. He recalled his previous criticisms of the NIS, which led to accusations of insubordination. “When I raised concern about the dysfunctionality of the NIS, I was accused of being insubordinate. However, the events of the recent months have regrettably validated my position,” he added. His comments were in reference to the unrest caused by anti-government protests in June, which led to fatalities and property damage.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has reported a disturbing increase in abduction cases, with 29 people reported missing since June. Over the last three months, 13 new abduction cases have been documented, bringing the total to 82 cases since June 2024. Human rights advocates and citizens alike are calling for urgent action from the government to address the crisis, with many echoing Gachagua’s sentiments that the situation is being ignored or enabled by the current administration.
As the abduction crisis continues to unfold, Gachagua’s comments have intensified the political divide, further complicating the already tense relations between the President and his former deputy.
