Ruto allies threaten to arrest Gachagua

By Newsflash Writer

Senior officials in President William Ruto’s administration have issued a stern warning to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, threatening him with arrest over alleged incitement to violence.

Over the weekend, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki accused Gachagua of stoking ethnic tensions for personal political gain as the country heads toward the 2027 General Election.

According to the two leaders, Gachagua—who was impeached by Parliament last October and removed from office—has been exploiting public platforms to spread divisive rhetoric. They accused him of turning his political woes into a national crisis, launching premature campaigns laced with threats of unrest. Both Kindiki and Murkomen warned that if Gachagua continues issuing statements they deem dangerous to public order, he will be arrested.

Gachagua hits back

In response, Gachagua lashed out at the two government officials, accusing them of using scare tactics to suppress dissent. He urged them instead to focus on addressing more pressing issues, such as the growing concern over forced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. Gachagua insisted that he abhors violence and emphasized that his recent comments were meant to caution the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to ensure transparent and credible elections in 2027.

“The political climate is unstable, and the public will not tolerate electoral manipulation in 2027,” Gachagua said. His remarks followed his earlier warning that Kenya could face election-related violence more severe than the 2007 post-election chaos if the IEBC fails in its mandate.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki. Photo/DPCS

The 2007–08 violence, which erupted after disputed presidential results, claimed over 1,000 lives, left thousands injured, and displaced many more. Several high-profile politicians, including then Deputy President William Ruto and former President Uhuru Kenyatta, were indicted at the International Criminal Court but were later cleared after the cases collapsed.

Read more: The Wamatangi arrest puzzle

Murkomen, speaking in Iten and later in Trans Nzoia, reiterated the government’s stance, saying Gachagua had previously claimed that his impeachment would trigger chaos. “There was no unrest when he was removed. He went home quietly and is now trying to pretend he pacified his supporters,” Murkomen remarked. He warned that any continued incitement would be met with legal consequences.

Kindiki echoed the sentiments during a church service in Busia County, saying that leaders who incite violence are no better than terror groups like Al-Shabaab or armed bandits. He reassured Kenyans that there would be no repeat of the 2007/08 violence and accused Gachagua of using fear tactics to destabilize the government.

Rising political tension

The leaders warned that Gachagua is attempting to erode public trust in government institutions and paint the current administration as weak and unstable. “No one is above the law,” said Murkomen, adding that the government would not be intimidated by any politician regardless of their former title.

Meanwhile, at a burial ceremony in Kitale, Murkomen insisted that leaders inciting fear ahead of the 2027 elections would be held accountable. He criticized those using ethnicity and fear to manipulate the electorate, calling such actions regressive and unpatriotic.

Kindiki added that some leaders are prematurely politicizing the next election instead of focusing on development. “It’s unpatriotic to stir ethnic divisions for political gain,” he said, calling for a renewed focus on projects that uplift communities.

But Gachagua remained defiant, asserting that he has broken no law and that his only offense is warning the IEBC against mismanaging elections. He also accused the government of unleashing violence and promoting outlawed groups such as Mungiki, which he claimed were being used to disrupt his political events.

Gachagua challenged Kindiki to come clean on his alleged role in the abductions and killings of Gen Z protesters. “You can’t condemn violence while your hands are stained with blood,” he said, referencing recent controversial police actions during protests.

The former Deputy President also claimed he had exercised restraint by discouraging his supporters from protesting injustices, even as his rights to expression and political commentary were being curtailed. “You can’t take away my right to forecast political trends or silence my civic duty,” he said.

Natembeya warned, too

In a related development, Murkomen also took aim at Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, urging him to stop what he termed as “demeaning the presidency” and engaging in tribal politics. He accused some county leaders of mobilizing youth gangs for political purposes and warned the local security team to dismantle such networks.

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya. Photo/George Natembeya/X

Murkomen further emphasized the government’s commitment to political decorum, noting that leaders should engage in mature, respectful dialogue. At the same time, Kindiki touted the Ruto administration’s economic progress, claiming that the cost of living had reduced and that Kenya’s currency and economic ranking in Africa had significantly improved.

“When President Ruto took office, petrol was going for Sh217; now it is Sh174. Maize flour was Sh250 and is now at Sh160,” Kindiki stated. He added that Kenya has overtaken South Africa and Angola to become the sixth best-performing economy on the continent, with ambitions to rise even further.