Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused President William Ruto of targeting the Kikuyu people with government-sponsored crackdowns.
Gachagua accused Ruto of being directly involved in profiling the Kikuyus during the 2007 post-election violence, and as president, continuing what he describes as an “unfinished mission.”.
“History is repeating itself, and the architect William Ruto is back on the deck. He is hell bent to finish his unfinished business with the people of Mt. Kenya. Destroy their businesses and make them black sheep of Kenya,” Gachagua said on Wednesday.
He made the remarks while addressing a press conference soon after Ruto addressed recent protests. Gachagua claimed that the government had targeted Kikuyu-owned businesses deliberately to economically marginalize the Mt. Kenya region.
He also claimed that the state is using terrorism charges selectively to criminalize people from his community. He cited the case of Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji, who along with several of his allies, now faces allegations of terror financing and inciting violence. He claimed the state is using these charges as tools of political persecution.
“When a police station in Mawego (Homa Bay) was torched, suspects were charged with arson,” he said. “But when a police station is torched in Kiambu suspects from the Kikuyu nation are charged with terrorism.”
Gachagua: ‘Killer Squad, Militia Used to Silence Mt. Kenya Region’
Gachagua went on to accuse the government of orchestrating a violent scheme during the Saba Saba protests, alleging that a well-organized militia was deployed to inflict harm and destruction—only for the blame to be pinned on the Kikuyu community.
According to Gachagua, the militia was strategically dropped in parts of the Mt. Kenya region on the night of July 6, just before police erected barricades.
“The militia were procured by Ruto, governors and MPs allied to him.”
Gachagua admitted that the alleged “killer squad”, a shadowy group of 101 officers, was formed while he was still in government. He indicated the unit now operates under the command of National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director General Noordin Haji.
He referred to a viral video that surfaced from the July 7 protests, showing masked, armed men shooting at protesters in an unidentified location. According to Gachagua, the masked men in the video belong to the same squad.
He further alleged that the unit was supplied with an unmarked Subaru vehicle to create the impression that it was a team from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
“NIS has procured Subarus to give an impression that it is the DCI shooting and maiming. This squad of 101 people was formed when I was still in government. Officers were recruited from the administration police unit for special training by NIS on abductions, killings and cover ups,” he said.
‘Relax Mr President,’ Gachagua Denies Plot to Oust Ruto
At the same time, Gachagua rubbished claims that the opposition is scheming to topple President William Ruto’s government. He clarified that the “wantam” movement is not calling for an unconstitutional takeover of power.
“We want to advise you that the wantam movement is not getting you out of power outside the Constitution,” Gachagua said. “Mr President, nobody wants to overthrow your government, nobody wants you out of power through unconstitutional means.”
He further stated that the opposition’s desire is plain and legal: to remove Ruto out of power through the ballot in the 2027 general election.
Gachagua criticized the president for suggesting that his government is being plotted against, describing it as a manufactured lie to justify political persecution.
“Nobody wants you out of government unconstitutionally. We want to face you on the ballot in August 2027, so just relax,” he said.
The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader further urged President Ruto to show restraint and focus on addressing the underlying issues fueling the nationwide protests.
“Mr Ruto, I want with a lot of humility to advise you to stop being angry. That will not help you,” Gachagua said.
“You need to know what you need to do. The people of Kenya are more angry than you are.”
