Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has directly challenged Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja over what he claims is a growing link between security officers and criminal gangs.

In a strongly worded statement shared on X on Saturday, April 18, 2026, Gachagua questioned whether the Inspector General is still in control of the National Police Service.

“Are you really in charge of the National Police Service?” he asked.

Gachagua accused the police leadership of allowing “goons” to operate alongside officers, claiming the situation has worsened despite repeated warnings.

“I have severally reminded you that under your leadership, goons have become part of the National Police Service,” he said. “But you seem unbowed and unbothered at all.”

Claims of attacks in Othaya and Kikuyu

The former deputy president pointed to the January 2026 incident at ACK Witima Church in Othaya, Nyeri County, where a service he attended was disrupted by teargas.

He claimed that police officers worked with armed groups during the incident.

“Police officers with goons, using police vehicles, attacked children, leaders, and women in church,” Gachagua claimed. “They destroyed our vehicles and used live ammunition and teargas canisters in church.”

The Othaya incident caused panic among worshippers, with many forced to flee the church after teargas filled the building. Some required first aid after struggling to breathe.

Gachagua has repeatedly maintained that the attack was deliberate and involved rogue officers. He also criticised the pace of investigations, saying no action has been taken.

“To date, despite them having been positively identified and placed on the scene of crime, no disciplinary action has been taken,” he said.

He linked the church attack to broader concerns about security and political violence.

Claims of police inaction

Gachagua also cited events in Kikuyu, Kiambu County, where he claimed police failed to protect the public.

“Your officers protected criminals as they robbed and harassed motorists along the Nakuru highway and Southern Bypass,” he said.

He further claimed that a group of officers later turned on civilians and political leaders.

“In the afternoon, a squad of special officers brutally attacked us and members of the public with guns and tear gas,” he said.

According to Gachagua, the officers involved were masked and heavily armed. He claimed their actions contradicted the role of police in maintaining law and order.

“They were hooded and armed to the teeth,” he said, adding that even local officers had raised concerns about the conduct.

Fresh claims ahead of Dagoretti meeting

Gachagua warned that a similar group had moved to Dagoretti ahead of one of his planned meetings.

“The same squad has arrived in Dagoretti ahead of my meeting this afternoon to cause mayhem and attack innocent Kenyans,” he said.

He claimed that the group was using the same vehicle linked to earlier incidents in Kikuyu.

The former deputy president questioned whether political influence had taken over police operations.

“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 asked.

The claims come amid growing political tension in the country, with opposition leaders accusing the state of using force to disrupt gatherings.

Recent incidents in Kikuyu and other areas have seen clashes between police and groups of youths, with reports of teargas, gunfire, and damage to property.

Human rights groups have also raised concerns about what they describe as selective policing and the rise of organised groups disrupting public events.

Gachagua has been vocal on the issue in recent weeks, warning that unchecked violence could escalate if not addressed.

“Criminal culpability remains as per the law,” he said in his message, calling for accountability within the police service.

The National Police Service had not issued an immediate response to the latest claims by the time of publication.