Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has accused the National Police Service of aiding criminal gangs involved in political violence and failing to act on directives to curb rising insecurity linked to political activities.
In a letter dated December 1,2025, addressed to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, Gachagua alleges that the police command has surrendered its authority to politicians close to President William Ruto, enabling gangs to operate with impunity across the country.
“We write to you in full knowledge that today, President William Ruto directed you to arrest and prosecute goons who have been causing havoc and political violence,” the letter reads.
“You have surrendered this to politicians close to the President; they command the police in civilian dress to aid goons.”
Gachagua questions the sincerity of the President’s directive, saying that if it is genuine, the IG must immediately withdraw police protection from groups allegedly used to intimidate and attack political opponents.
“If at all Mr. William Ruto is genuine or is now a changed man, which we highly doubt, you must immediately disengage your police… from the goons,” he says.
The DCP leader lists at least ten incidents between November 2024 and November 2025 in which he claims he and his supporters were targeted by organized criminal gangs operating under police escort or supervision.
The cited events include an attack during a funeral service in Limuru on 28 November 2024, a confrontation in Shamata, Nyandarua on December 28, 2024, where tear gas was reportedly fired at his team, and an incident in Nyeri on 18 January 2025 during a prayer rally.
Additional cases are recorded in Nakuru, Nairobi, Murang’a, Narok, and Embu counties, including disruptions at church services and political gatherings.
Among the most recent claims is a reported attack on November 30, 2025, at a PCEA church in Kariobangi North, where Gachagua alleges police and gangs attacked women and children in church where we were worshipping.
Gachagua urges IG Kanja to make a public declaration that police support for such groups has ceased and to ensure that all perpetrators are arrested and prosecuted.
He warns that continued police inaction risks pushing the country into statelessness.
“You must make a decision as IG,” the letter asserts.
“If the police under your command disengage from the state-sponsored militia, Kenyans will arrest these goons and bring them to your stations.”
The National Police Service (NPS) on Sunday denied claims it lobbed teargas into Kariobangi North PCEA Church during a Sunday thanksgiving ceremony for Kariobangi North MCA-elect David Warui.
In a statement, the Service said officers on duty observed a group of rowdy youths armed with crude weapons attempting to force their way into the church.
Reinforcements were called in, but moments later, a second group arrived and confronted the first, escalating the situation.
Police moved in to contain the clash, which briefly spilled into the church and disrupted the service, also attended by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
