Gachagua accuses Betty Maina of police violence in Kirinyaga

By Newsflash Reporter

Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has publicly accused Murang’a Woman Representative Betty Maina of orchestrating police violence during his public meeting in Kirinyaga County on Friday, January 9, 2026.

Gachagua laid the blame squarely on Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, criticizing the National Police Service for failing to protect citizens and instead being used as a political tool.

Speaking after the incident, Gachagua claimed that a special squad of officers in civilian attire had commandeered two police Land Cruisers from Baricho and Wang’uru police stations.

“This squad was under the command of an officer attached to Murang’a Woman Representative Betty Maina,” he said, adding that the same officer had previously attacked Senator John Methu in Murang’a in July 2025 and had been involved in violent incidents during the recent Narok by-elections.

Squad teargasses him

Gachagua alleged that the squad, working with county government askaris, mounted a roadblock on the Sagana-Kagio-Kutus road, near Sagana Police Station. According to him, they used tear gas and live ammunition, injuring one of his security personnel, damaging vehicles, and confiscating media communication equipment. The DCP leader accused the police of deliberately preventing him from holding a public engagement in Kagio town. Despite the violence, Gachagua said he managed to reroute his convoy and addressed thousands of supporters.

Rigathi Gachagua’s convoy which was attacked in Kirinyaga. Photo/@rigathigachagua/X

He further questioned IG Kanja’s leadership, asking whether there were multiple commands operating outside the police chief’s authority. “Mr. IG, please explain to Kenyans what is happening in the National Police Service. Are there several different commands outside your control? If you are in charge, then we expect the instant arrest of that squad and that the officers be charged with robbery with violence of our media equipment,” he said.

Betty Maina hits back

Responding to the allegations, Betty Maina denied any involvement in the violence and accused Gachagua of pursuing a personal vendetta. In a social media post, she said, “H.E. Rigathi Gachagua, I was peacefully holding an empowerment program in Makomboki area, Kangari Ward, where last week you had come to spread venom. You have not condemned the attack on Hon. Muthoni Marubu in your presence. You have a personal problem with me; don’t push me to tell the world why.”

A member of Rigathi Gachagua’s convoy which was attacked in Kirinyaga. Photo/@rigathigachagua/X

Maina claimed that Gachagua had attempted to manipulate her when he was Deputy President and accused him of being obsessed with her. She also took a jab at IG Kanja, emphasizing that the officer involved is not anyone’s puppet. “Keep him out of your mouth moving forward. You blame us for your bad performance in every sphere of life. Get a new vibe,” she wrote.

Political tensions escalate

The clash highlights the growing tension between Gachagua and Maina ahead of the 2027 general elections. Political analysts say that Gachagua’s accusations, if proven true, could spark a national debate on the neutrality and accountability of the police service. The incident also underscores the rising concern over politicians allegedly using state security apparatus to advance personal or party interests.

Meanwhile, the DCP leader has vowed to pursue legal action against the officers allegedly involved in the attack, promising that those responsible will face justice. “As your neighbor at home, I am indeed very embarrassed by your stewardship of the National Police Service and how you can surrender the command of the service to a junior, excited, bellicose, and overzealous politician. Very embarrassing!” he said, reiterating his call for immediate accountability.

The IG’s office has not yet officially responded to the allegations, but political observers expect a statement in the coming days, given the seriousness of the claims and the public attention the case has attracted.