Kenya’s political scene has been thrown into turmoil once again as the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) summons impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over assassination claims. These allegations, made shortly after Gachagua’s release from Karen Hospital, have not only escalated tensions within the country but also opened a new chapter in Kenya’s already volatile political landscape. In this article, we delve into the key developments surrounding Gachagua’s claims, the response from the government and the DCI, and the wider political implications of this unfolding drama.
Background: Gachagua’s Assassination Claims
On October 20, 2024, Rigathi Gachagua, the impeached Deputy President of Kenya, dropped a bombshell while addressing the press outside Karen Hospital, where he had been receiving treatment. Gachagua accused the Kenyan government of orchestrating multiple assassination attempts on his life through poisoning. He specifically pointed to two separate incidents, one in August and another in September, both of which he claimed were part of a deliberate plot by undercover agents to eliminate him.
The first alleged incident occurred on August 30, 2024, while Gachagua was in Kisumu. According to his statement, undercover security agents bugged his room and attempted to poison his food. “We detected it and were able to escape the scheme. I was supposed to be killed by food poisoning,” Gachagua claimed during the press conference. He recounted that his instincts, coupled with heightened security measures, enabled him to avoid what he described as a deadly plot. The second alleged attempt took place on September 3, 2024, in Nyeri, when members of the National Intelligence Service (NIS) supposedly made another attempt to poison food intended for Gachagua and the Kikuyu Council of Elders. The Deputy President-elect, Kithure Kindiki, was set to dine with the council during the same gathering.
These allegations, now widely reported in the Kenyan media, have thrown Gachagua’s supporters and the nation into a state of uncertainty and have intensified the political rift between him and the current administration. Gachagua’s claims have heightened speculation about political power struggles within Kenya, with many questioning the timing of the accusations, especially given the legal battles surrounding his impeachment and the subsequent appointment of Kithure Kindiki as Deputy President.
DCI’s Summons and Their Significance
In response to Gachagua’s allegations, the DCI swiftly moved to summon him for questioning. In a letter dated Monday, October 21, the DCI formally requested that Gachagua present himself at their headquarters on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, to record a statement regarding the assassination claims. The letter read, “These are serious allegations emanating from a person of your stature and cannot be taken lightly. In light of the seriousness of this matter, we kindly request your presence on 22nd October 2024 at DCI Headquarters-Kiambu Road, to formally record your statement to enable prompt and thorough investigations into the matter.”
The DCI further emphasized that the sensitivity of the allegations required careful handling, stating that Gachagua’s cooperation was crucial to ensuring a comprehensive investigation. “We understand the sensitivity of the allegations and assure you that this matter will be handled with the seriousness it deserves. Your statement is a crucial component of our investigation,” the letter added.
The DCI’s swift action signals the gravity with which the agency is treating Gachagua’s claims, which, if substantiated, could have far-reaching implications for Kenya’s national security apparatus. However, the timing of the summons has raised questions about whether this investigation could be part of a broader political strategy aimed at discrediting Gachagua or silencing dissent within the government.
Political Tensions and the Impeachment Saga
Gachagua’s assassination claims come against the backdrop of his impeachment, a political move that has sparked controversy across the country. Earlier in 2024, Gachagua was impeached by the Kenyan Parliament following allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and corruption. His impeachment has been widely regarded as politically motivated, with Gachagua’s allies accusing President William Ruto’s government of orchestrating the move to sideline the Deputy President in favor of Kithure Kindiki, who was swiftly sworn in as his replacement.
Gachagua’s claims of assassination attempts have added another layer of complexity to the already contentious political situation. The impeachment process itself remains in legal limbo, as a three-judge bench is set to deliver a ruling on the constitutionality of Gachagua’s removal from office. The same court will also hear an application challenging the swearing-in of Kindiki as the new Deputy President.
Many political analysts believe that Gachagua’s assassination claims may be an attempt to garner public sympathy and to shift the narrative away from the impeachment saga. Whether his allegations hold any truth or are part of a larger political maneuver remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that these claims have further deepened the divide between Gachagua and the current government.
Government Response and Public Reaction
So far, the Kenyan government has not issued an official statement regarding Gachagua’s assassination claims, but several high-ranking officials have privately dismissed the allegations as baseless and politically motivated. According to some reports, members of the National Intelligence Service (NIS) have denied any involvement in the alleged poisoning attempts, with one source calling Gachagua’s accusations “absurd” and “part of a desperate attempt to remain politically relevant.”
Meanwhile, public opinion remains sharply divided. Gachagua’s supporters, particularly in his strongholds within Central Kenya, have rallied behind him, calling for a thorough investigation into the assassination claims. They view Gachagua as a victim of political persecution and see the alleged attempts on his life as evidence of a broader conspiracy against him. On the other hand, critics of Gachagua argue that his accusations are a last-ditch effort to deflect attention from the corruption charges and misconduct allegations that led to his impeachment.
The media has also played a significant role in shaping the public’s perception of the case. While some outlets have framed Gachagua as a whistleblower exposing dangerous elements within the government, others have cast doubt on the veracity of his claims, suggesting that the accusations are part of a calculated political strategy.
Legal Ramifications and the Way Forward
As Gachagua prepares to appear before the DCI for questioning, the legal ramifications of his assassination claims remain uncertain. If the DCI’s investigation uncovers credible evidence to support Gachagua’s allegations, it could lead to criminal charges against individuals within the government or security forces. On the other hand, if the investigation finds that Gachagua’s claims are unsubstantiated, he could face legal consequences for making false statements, further damaging his political career.
Regardless of the outcome, Gachagua’s assassination claims have already had a profound impact on the political landscape in Kenya. They have reignited debates about the role of security agencies in political affairs, the use of state power to target political opponents, and the integrity of Kenya’s democratic institutions.
Conclusion
Rigathi Gachagua’s assassination claims have thrown Kenya into a state of political uncertainty, with the DCI now leading an investigation into the matter. As Gachagua prepares to record his statement, the nation watches closely, eager to see how this latest twist in Kenya’s political drama unfolds. Whether these allegations will lead to a deeper understanding of the power struggles within the government or will be dismissed as part of political posturing, one thing is clear: the stakes are high, and the implications of this case could reverberate for months to come.
