Former Deputy President and Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has claimed that a rogue police unit known as “Nairobi Sierra” is operating outside the formal security command structure.

In a post on his X account on Sunday, June 21, 2026, Gachagua accused senior interior officials of overseeing the recruitment, financing and deployment of groups he described as goons used to attack citizens in churches, political gatherings and public protests.

He wrote that the group works alongside plain-clothes police officers and anti-riot units, forming what he called a parallel system of coercion that undermines constitutional policing.

“This Headline is apt. Not the photos; these are flower girls,” Gachagua posted. “The pictures should be those of [senior interior officials]. The two… are in charge of recruiting, financing and deploying goons to unleash terror on the people of Kenya.”

He further claimed that the unit known as “Nairobi Sierra” operates as a coordinated police team linked to violent disruptions, including the attack on ACK Witima Church in Othaya, Nyeri County, in January 2026.

According to Gachagua, the formation is responsible for coordinating operations involving both officers and hired groups who target opposition-linked events and places of worship.

Gachagua’s remarks centre on what he describes as a breakdown in the national security command system. He claims senior interior officials have created an informal chain of command that bypasses the Inspector General of Police.

He claimed that this structure has weakened accountability within the National Police Service and frustrated senior officers who remain bound by formal procedures.

“Goonism is now a way of life since the appointment of senior interior officials,” he stated in the post, adding that Kenya’s policing system had been diverted from its core duty of protecting life and property.

He also claimed that intelligence structures have been affected, saying some officers within the National Intelligence Service now report outside established systems.

Witima church attack at centre of dispute

The controversy largely stems from the ACK Witima Church incident in Othaya, where worshippers were disrupted during a service attended by Gachagua.

Reports from the scene indicated tear gas was fired inside the church compound, vehicles were damaged and several congregants were injured. Opposition leaders later claimed that the attack involved both police officers and organised groups.

Gachagua has repeatedly demanded prosecution of those allegedly involved, saying investigative agencies had already identified suspects.

He stated that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) had compiled a file recommending charges against several officers but alleged that the process was halted.

In earlier remarks, he said, “The investigation is over, and we know all the officers who attacked us in ACK Witima… but there is reluctance to forward the file to the ODPP.”

He further argued that no accountability has followed despite what he described as completed investigations.

Opposition links to wider incidents

The claims extend beyond the Witima incident. Opposition figures have compiled lists of what they describe as coordinated attacks across multiple counties, including Nairobi, Nyeri, Meru, Kakamega, Murang’a, and Kirinyaga.

They claim at least 23 separate incidents between late 2024 and early 2026 involved intimidation, disruption of political meetings and excessive use of force by police-linked groups.

Church leaders have also raised concerns over repeated disruptions in religious gatherings. The National Council of Churches of Kenya has previously called for investigations into incidents involving the use of force in places of worship, describing such actions as violations of sacred spaces.

Former National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi has also warned that religious institutions should not become arenas for political confrontation.

Interior officials have denied claims of organised state-backed violence in past statements, insisting that security agencies operate under the law and within established command structures.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, speaking separately in Uasin Gishu County on Sunday, June 21, 2026, warned against violence during planned protests and stressed that the government would maintain order while allowing peaceful demonstrations.

“There will be no monkey business anywhere in the Republic of Kenya,” he said, adding that security agencies would act to protect life and property.

Government officials have also maintained that ongoing development projects depend on lawful budgetary processes and constitutional taxation, dismissing claims that current policies are linked to coordinated political intimidation.

Rising political tension ahead of elections

Gachagua’s claims come at a time of growing political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general election cycle. Opposition leaders argue that recent security incidents reflect a broader pattern of intimidation targeting dissenting voices.

They have also warned that failure to address abuses within the security sector could erode public trust in institutions responsible for safeguarding elections.

Gachagua concluded his remarks with a warning that Kenyans would resist any attempt to undermine constitutional rights.

“It will not be allowed. Kenyans will stand up and defend their constitutional rights,” he stated.