Cherargei demands Gachagua’s arrest over Kikuyu violence
By Kenneth Mwenda, April 11, 2026Nandi Senator Kiprotich Arap Cherargei has called for the arrest and prosecution of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over the violence and chaos witnessed during a politically charged meeting in Kikuyu, Kiambu County, on Saturday, April 11, 2026.
In a post on his official X account, Cherargei accused Gachagua of promoting a pattern of political violence and intimidation, linking him directly to the unrest that disrupted parts of Kikuyu town and sections of the Southern Bypass ahead of his rally.
“Former impeached deputy president Gachagwa is a modern political conman that thrives in violence, intimidation, blackmail, brinkmanship & balkanization of the country,” Cherargei wrote.
He added that Kenyans who were injured and businesses affected during the incident should be compensated, saying the organisers of the rally must be held responsible for the damage.
“Quick recovery to Kenyans who were injured today and businesses looted today. The conveners of the botched rally must be forced to do compensation,” he said.
Cherargei further urged security agencies to act immediately against the former Deputy President and others he accused of involvement in lawlessness.
“The Inspector General of police and DCI must immediately arrest and prosecute him and other goons for the lawlessness witnessed today, including robbery with violence on many businesses and vehicles,” he stated.
Questions over security lapse
He also questioned how he accessed helmets, military-style clothing, signal jammers and bulletproof vests.
“What shocks Kenyans is how he acquired a police helmet, military fatigue, cache of weapons, signal jammers and bulletproof vest yet it isn’t sold in supermarkets??” he posed.
The senator also faulted the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), accusing it of failing to act despite rising political tensions.
“The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has been dormant, yet the country is being set up for election violence in 2027,” he added.
His remarks come amid heightened political tensions in Kikuyu, where police used tear gas to disperse crowds and restore order after earlier disruptions involving blocked roads, bonfires and traffic paralysis along the Southern Bypass.
Security agencies have since increased patrols in the area, with calm returning later in the day as businesses reopened under tight surveillance.
Earlier reports indicated that suspected groups had blocked roads, lit bonfires and disrupted movement before police intervened. Authorities have not yet issued an official statement directly linking political figures to the incidents.
Despite the violence, Gachagua led the opposition brigade in a rally across Kikuyu, where he remained bullish despite the violence.