The political temperature in Kenya has reached new heights after a coalition of pro-government lawmakers publicly called for the immediate arrest of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of masterminding violent chaos during recent protests in Nairobi.
Led by Kimilili Member of Parliament Didmus Barasa, the group alleged that Gachagua hired and deployed goons from central Kenya to wreak havoc in the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) under the guise of political resistance.
“We are demanding the immediate arrest of the former DP who has been on record sounding drums of war, inciting our young people against individuals who do not subscribe to his political ideology,” Barasa told the press during a tense Thursday morning briefing.
Barasa doubled down on the accusations, describing Gachagua as a “mobiliser of resources and goons” allegedly intent on sabotaging public and private infrastructure, especially those affiliated with individuals not aligned with his political stance.
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This outcry comes just a day after massive protests erupted across the country, initially held to honor youthful demonstrators killed during last year’s anti-finance bill protests. The commemorative marches, meant to be peaceful, quickly descended into chaos as confrontations with police escalated.
According to Amnesty Kenya, the fallout was grim: at least 8 protesters sustained gunshot wounds, and over 400 others were injured, with 83 people hospitalized, some in critical condition.
Rongo MP Mark Nyamita joined Barasa in condemning the demonstrations, claiming the rallies were infiltrated by “politically motivated thugs” determined to destabilize the country for personal gain.
“We understand the challenges in our country, but the route we saw yesterday is dangerous. Real change must come through the ballot in 2027,” Nyamita cautioned.
Migori Women Representative Fatuma Zainab also chimed in, warning that the protests seemed less like civil disobedience and more like a coordinated attempt to overthrow President William Ruto’s government.
“Those behind these protests must understand that the government will not tolerate any attempts to destabilize the nation or incite rebellion,” she said.
Gachagua has yet to respond to the serious allegations, but his allies have previously dismissed similar claims as targeted political witch-hunts by those threatened by his growing influence in Central Kenya.
Meanwhile, opposition voices and civil rights groups are warning the government against using the unrest as a pretext to clamp down on legitimate dissent.
As Kenya grapples with high unemployment, inflation, and political disillusionment, many fear that the rising tension between political factions may ignite deeper unrest ahead of the 2027 general elections.
