Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has raised serious concerns about the resurgence of criminal gangs allegedly being used to manage political affairs in Kenya. Speaking during an exclusive interview with NTV on Sunday, December 1, Gachagua warned the government against tacitly supporting such groups, labeling it as a dangerous trend reminiscent of the 1990s.
Gachagua highlighted a recent incident in Limuru, where suspected goons disrupted a funeral he was attending, forcing him to flee for safety. He described the event as a deliberate attempt on his life, alleging that the withdrawal of his security detail beforehand was part of the plan. “Unless the government acts swiftly to address this disturbing trend, it could evolve into a serious security threat,” he said.
Drawing parallels to the 1990s, Gachagua recalled the emergence of criminal gangs during the clamour for multipartism. Groups such as Mungiki, Chinkororo, and the Sabaot Land Defence Force (SLDF) were mobilized for political purposes, later spiraling into uncontrollable entities that caused widespread destruction and suffering. “Rooting them out was a painful and costly affair,” he warned, urging the current administration to avoid a similar trajectory.
Limuru Incident Sparks Outrage
The Limuru disruption has reignited concerns over political violence in the Mt. Kenya region. Gachagua claimed the attack was not isolated, citing planned disruptions at events in Molo and Nakuru. Following the Limuru chaos, he canceled his appearances at a funeral in Molo and a church event in Pipeline, Nakuru, for fear of further attacks.
He alleged that the destruction of vehicles belonging to political leaders during the Limuru incident was a deliberate strategy to intimidate vocal leaders and suppress dissent. “Such tactics are intended to silence us, but they are setting a dangerous precedent,” he said.
Gachagua cautioned that if the government fails to act, affected communities may resort to forming counter-gangs for self-defense. “The people of Limuru are already expressing their readiness to confront such criminals if the government does not intervene,” he noted.
Government Response Under Scrutiny
Gachagua criticized law enforcement for their perceived inaction, claiming that no arrests had been made despite clear evidence circulating on social media. Instead, he alleged, authorities had resorted to harassing Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang’wa, who was also attacked during the Limuru incident.
Thang’wa, who attempted to report the incident to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), was allegedly dismissed and later summoned to Nyeri under unclear circumstances. “The crime happened in Limuru, Kiambu. Why is the senator being summoned to Nyeri? Meanwhile, the local MP recorded a statement at DCI headquarters in Nairobi,” Gachagua questioned.
Thang’wa has since snubbed the Nyeri summons, arguing that the matter should be handled in the jurisdiction where the crime occurred.
Gachagua’s Call to Action
The former Deputy President urged the government to prioritize security and refrain from using criminal gangs for political gains. “These gangs were introduced in the 1990s and became a menace. We cannot afford a repeat of history,” he said.
He also called for the immediate arrest of the perpetrators involved in the Limuru chaos and criticized the government’s failure to address the issue effectively. “The state must take charge and restore public confidence in its ability to provide security,” Gachagua emphasized.
The Shadow of History
Kenya has experienced the devastating impact of politically motivated criminal gangs in the past. Despite sustained government crackdowns and proscription of groups like Mungiki, some factions remain active, often exploited by political players. Gachagua’s remarks serve as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of inaction, calling for vigilance to prevent history from repeating itself.
As political tensions rise, the focus now shifts to how the government will address these allegations and restore order in affected regions.
