Kalonzo slams police, goons for harassing Gachagua
By Kenneth Mwenda, January 10, 2026Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has condemned the use of police, live bullets, and hired goons to intimidate former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. He described the actions as a direct attack on Kenya’s democracy.
Musyoka made the statement on X on 10 January 2026 while standing with church leaders. He insisted that the opposition must be allowed to operate freely, without fear or harassment.
“No leader should silence dissent or crush alternative views for the country,” he added.
The comments followed a tense incident in Nyeri Town on January 8, 2026. Gachagua accused police officers of escorting armed goons who harassed residents ahead of his public meeting.
Videos circulating online showed men carrying clubs and jembe handles moving freely through the streets. Gachagua said the goons aimed to disrupt his event and fuel political intimidation.
Similar clashes have marked Gachagua’s recent activities. On January 9, 2025, the former Deputy President also decried live ammunition used by the police trying to thwart his attempts to hold a political rally in Kagio.
”Despite the heavy attack by police, live ammunition, teargas, vandalism of our equipment and state-sponsored militia brutality, we have reached the very heart of Kirinyaga County—Kagio! The people of Kirinyaga are resilient and courageous, united as one in the pursuit of change on August 10th, 2027! God bless you, and God bless Kenya!” Gachagua shared via X.
In November 2025, goons on motorbikes stormed a thanksgiving service at PCEA Berea Parish in Kariobangi North, Nairobi, where he attended.
Earlier in November, Gachagua claimed that government authorities had issued orders to block him and his team from accessing Narok town. Donning a helmet for protection, he said he navigated through village paths unknown to the police, guided by residents, and entered Narok to a warm reception from thousands of jubilant supporters.
Gachagua linked the attack to government efforts to sabotage opposition events.
Musyoka warns against abuse
Musyoka tied these events to broader issues. He rejected any regulation of churches as unconstitutional and an assault on freedom of worship.
“Churches must remain free from political control,” he said. He urged Kenyans to register as voters to elect leaders who serve citizens, not those who build roads to their homes while neglecting others. “True leadership comes from service, not accumulated wealth at the expense of the vulnerable,” he added.
Musyoka accused President Ruto of capturing national institutions, starting with parliament. He said laws now serve only the regime, which seeks to extend presidential term limits while enriching itself. He described this not merely as greed, but as gluttony. “The state machinery turns against the citizens it is meant to protect,” he warned.
Gachagua, impeached in October 2024, now leads the Democratic Change Party and allies with Musyoka in the United Opposition. They position themselves as a government-in-waiting, criticising Ruto’s policies, including the so-called “Singapore Dream,” as scams.