Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has raised fresh allegations against the National Police Service, claiming that police officers have been deployed alongside criminal elements ahead of a planned public meeting in Dagoretti.
In a statement on Saturday, Gachagua questioned the leadership of Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, accusing him of losing control of the service and allowing misconduct to persist.
“Mr. Douglas Kanja, the Inspector General of the National Police, are you really in charge of the National Police Service?” he posed.
He alleged that police officers had repeatedly collaborated with goons in attacks on civilians, citing incidents in Othaya and Kikuyu as examples of what he described as unlawful conduct by security personnel.
According to Gachagua, officers allegedly used police vehicles and live ammunition during an incident at ACK Witima Church in Othaya, where he claimed worshippers, including children and women, were attacked.
“In broad daylight, police officers have been shamelessly attacking innocent Kenyans and working alongside goons,” he said.
He further claimed that no disciplinary action had been taken despite officers allegedly being identified in connection with the church incident.
Gachagua also pointed to events in Kikuyu, where he accused police of protecting criminals who allegedly harassed motorists along major highways, before later turning on members of the public during what he termed a violent confrontation involving hooded officers.
“The same squad has arrived in Dagoretti ahead of my meeting this afternoon to cause mayhem and attack innocent Kenyans,” he said, alleging that the officers were using the same vehicle previously spotted in Kikuyu.
He provided specific details of individuals he claimed were part of the deployment, including names and phone numbers, and a vehicle registration number allegedly used in the operation.
Among those he named were officers he said were conducting reconnaissance in Dagoretti ahead of his scheduled meeting.
Gachagua questioned whether the police service had been politicised or compromised, stating: “Is it that you have surrendered the command of the police to politicians or have you allowed the National Police Service to be converted into a criminal gang?”
He urged the Inspector General to take responsibility for the conduct of officers under his command, warning that criminal liability could arise from unlawful actions.
“Be advised Mr. Kanja, that criminal culpability remains as per the law,” he added.
The allegations come ahead of a politically charged meeting in Dagoretti, which has attracted heightened attention amid rising tensions between political leaders and security agencies.
The National Police Service had not issued a response to the claims by the time of publication.
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