Rigathi Gachagua no longer has government-provided security, a move tied to accusations that he opposes President William Ruto. The government had already withdrawn over 200 officers assigned to Mr. Gachagua following his impeachment on October 17, 2024.
Insiders say the decision aims to limit Mr. Gachagua’s growing political influence. They claim he is stirring unrest and pushing for premature campaigns that disrupt development efforts.
They reportedly urged him to resign voluntarily, promising to preserve his benefits, but he declined. Tensions increased after President Ruto faced jeers during a church event in Embu and at a funeral in Murang’a, where mourners rejected his message. Shortly after, Mr. Gachagua attended a church service in Kangari, Murang’a, only to have his last two bodyguards withdrawn. Officials demanded he cease his political activities as a condition for reinstating security.
These officers had protected his homes and provided personal security. At the time, Mr. Gachagua was hospitalized and left unguarded, forcing his family to stay by his side for protection. Although the government briefly reinstated four officers, they were removed after public incidents involving heckling directed at the President.
Veteran administrator Joseph Kaguthi expressed alarm, warning that leaving a former Deputy President unprotected exposes national security risks. He stressed that Mr. Gachagua holds sensitive information that could endanger the country if it fell into the wrong hands.
Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu revealed that Mr. Gachagua now relies on hired bouncers for security. He and other leaders claim they face threats of losing their own security details for supporting him. Critics argue that denying security to a former senior official puts both him and the nation at unnecessary risk.
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