Gachagua: Survivors of goon attacks will send Ruto home
By Kenneth Mwenda, July 5, 2026Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has claimed that President William Ruto will be voted out in 400 days by Kenyans who survive what he described as increasing attacks by goons and rogue police officers across the country.
In a post on X on Sunday, July 5, 2026, Gachagua said Kenya is facing a rise in organised violence targeting citizens, political groups, and public gatherings. He alleged that the violence is being carried out by groups working with parts of the state.
“Goons! Goons! Goons! Everywhere, it is goons!” he wrote.
Gachagua said the country had changed into what he described as a “new Haiti”, accusing unnamed state actors of using violence to silence citizens and opposition-linked groups.
“Welcome to the new Haiti situated somewhere in an East African nation formerly known as the Republic of Kenya before one Mr. William Ruto became its President and lost favour with the people,” he said.
He further claimed that groups of young men, working alongside some police officers, were being used to intimidate citizens and disrupt political activity.
“The Ruto sharp boys and strongmen have taken over the service and deployed plainclothes police officers to work hand in hand with goons and give them protection,” he claimed.
Gachagua said incidents of violence had been reported in several areas including Nairobi, Kisii, Kiambu, and Nyandarua, where political meetings and public gatherings have been disrupted.
Kisii, Nairobi incidents
His remarks come at a time when several violent incidents involving suspected goons have been reported in different parts of the country.
In Kisii County, supporters of the ODM-linked Linda Mwananchi movement were injured after armed groups attacked their convoy as it travelled from Kisii to Keroka. The group had been attending political rallies when the attack happened along the Kisii–Keroka road.
Among those affected was United Green Movement presidential aspirant David Maraga, whose vehicle was damaged during the chaos.
Eyewitnesses said groups of young men armed with clubs and stones blocked the convoy and attacked it as police officers stood by.
A police commander later said investigations into the incident were ongoing.
Separately, in Nairobi, CCTV footage showed a violent invasion of All Saints Cathedral during a post-budget forum attended by civil society groups, lawyers, and religious leaders.
The footage showed groups of men arriving on motorcycles and forcing their way into the church compound before disrupting the meeting. Several people were injured and others robbed as panic spread.
Religious and civil society groups later condemned the incident, calling for accountability and protection of public spaces.
Political accusations escalate
Gachagua said the government had failed in its constitutional duty to protect life and property.
“The government that swore on the Bible and in the name of God to protect life and property is now hurting them,” he said.
He also questioned the conduct of the National Police Service, claiming that officers had been used to protect groups carrying out attacks instead of stopping them.
“Goons are now part and parcel of the National Police Service and are on the government payroll,” he alleged.
The former Deputy President further criticised the Inspector General of Police, describing him as ineffective.
“The IG of Police is clueless and goonish. He does not know what goes on in the service he purports to command,” he said.
He also linked the current situation to past episodes of political violence, warning that Kenya risked repeating history.
“WE HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN WHERE IT ALL BEGAN: THE KIAMBAA CHURCH MASSACRE OF JANUARY 2008!” he wrote.
Government response and counterclaims
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has previously dismissed similar claims by Gachagua, saying security agencies are fully in control of the country.
Murkomen said the government would not allow any individual to destabilise the nation ahead of the 2027 general election.
“We will no longer allow you to roam around aimlessly from one corner of Kenya to the other, planning and planting seeds of discord and violence,” he said during a public rally in Elgeyo-Marakwet.
He also said security agencies were monitoring individuals suspected of organising violence.
“You must know that we know all your activities,” he said, referring to Gachagua.
Murkomen further accused political actors of financing criminal groups, although he did not provide evidence.
“We will deal with them firmly,” he added.
Opposition leaders have, however, accused the government of using security agencies to intimidate political opponents and disrupt public gatherings.
Recent incidents involving suspected goons have raised concern among religious leaders, civil society organisations, and political groups.
The Inter-Religious Council of Kenya condemned the attack on All Saints Cathedral, saying it undermined democratic space and peaceful dialogue.
“The violent disruption of a peaceful public forum is unacceptable and undermines democratic engagement,” the council said.
The Law Society of Kenya also called for swift investigations, saying organised gangs pose a threat to constitutional freedoms.