Gachagua credits survival to State insider network

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has sensationally claimed that he is regularly informed of plots against him by a wide network of insiders within government circles, including individuals close to President William Ruto.

In an interview with Kameme FM yesterday, Gachagua stated that his sources within critical government institutions, among them the National Intelligence Service (NIS), consistently tip him off whenever plans are made to implicate or endanger him.

He referred to an alleged scheme where guns were to be planted on him in order to fabricate criminal charges, but he was forewarned by his contacts and managed to avoid the trap.

“I am grateful to some of our people in government. For example, when there was an incident in Mwiki, an officer alerted us to what was unfolding. When chaos was planned at my party, someone from NIS informed me in advance. Every time a plot is hatched against us, please find a way to inform us,” he said.

Gachagua went on to highlight the importance of surveillance for personal safety. “We now understand how critical CCTV cameras are. I urge everyone to install them wherever possible in case anything untoward happens. I’ve installed cameras everywhere, in my cars and in every place I frequent. I remain very alert at all times,” he added.

He further claimed that a secret ‘killer squad’ still exists, allegedly formed ahead of last year’s Gen Z-led demonstrations.

According to Gachagua, the NIS recruited 101 officers from the Administration Police in 2023, training them in abduction, torture, extrajudicial killings and cover-ups, practices he said he was always firmly opposed to.

“If you remember, on June 26, last year, when I was still Deputy President, I called a press conference in Mombasa and informed the country about the killing of young people. I told the President I did not support what was happening,” he said.

Gachagua cited the case of Albert Ojwang’ as a chilling example of what he described as a covert campaign of brutality, alleging that many other such incidents remain unreported. He also criticised the Director of Criminal Investigations, accusing him of perjury and calling for his dismissal.

“I reminded Ruto that during our campaign, we promised Kenyans there would be no extrajudicial killings under our government. So why are they happening now? He pretended not to understand, but I knew, as I was in government, that the squad existed, and continues to operate,” he asserted.

“We are afraid that we are sliding back to the old days of state-sanctioned abductions. Kenyans must now take it upon themselves to ensure this regime is voted out in 2027. I also call on police officers to resist being misused by senior commanders,” he added.

Amid reports that members of the Gen Z movement are planning to honour those who lost their lives during the June 25, protests, Gachagua advised caution. 

“In my personal opinion, Gen Z should not demonstrate again on June 25. They will be set up. We must not lead our children to their deaths. We are still mourning those we’ve lost. That’s just my personal opinion; I cannot speak for other leaders,” he stated.

On the political front, Gachagua confirmed that plans to launch his own political party, the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), are proceeding, despite what he described as efforts to derail the initiative.

He said the party is now exploring private venues for its official launch, as attempts to hold the event in public spaces have allegedly been blocked, referencing a failed attempt at Kasarani Stadium.

Gachagua also accused President Ruto of betraying the Mount Kenya region and attempting to divide it through proxy political parties.

“He does not mean well for our region. He is investing heavily in dividing us by sponsoring proxy parties. But we will not let him succeed. Some people have even been sent to monitor our activities. A man once came to me pretending to look for work, only for me to learn later that he was sent to investigate me. I’m more alert than ever now,” he said.

Dismissing claims that he is pushing for a single-party hegemony in the Mount Kenya region, Gachagua defended his position by promoting regional unity.

“Our strength lies in our unity. We must have a strong party of our own. Of course, people are free to join any party they choose within Central Kenya. But DCP cannot be bought. It will ensure fair and transparent nominations, no more direct tickets. We’re also organising forums for county aspirants so they can engage and chart the way forward,” he explained.

Gachagua concluded by warning voters to remain vigilant against betrayal and false promises.

“Before the election, I hadn’t seen Ruto’s true character. He came with a Bible, but now the mask has fallen. Mount Kenya must remain alert and expose those who are out to deceive and betray us,” he said.