People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has strongly condemned the attack on the convoy of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua upon his arrival from the United States on Thursday, August 21, 2025.

In a statement shared via her official X account on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at night, Karua said the incident, which took place as Gachagua’s motorcade left Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), was carried out by a militia in full view of police officers deployed to maintain order.

She claimed the inaction by law enforcement suggested the attack was “state-sanctioned”.

“We condemn in the strongest terms possible the attack of the convoy of @rigathi on his way from the JKIA today. The attacking militia unleashed their criminal acts in full view of the police deployed by @IG_NPS @NPSOfficial_KE, giving the impression that the attack was state-sanctioned,” Karua stated.

Intimidation of the opposition

The former Justice Minister accused President William Ruto’s administration of nurturing and sustaining a parallel militia that works in cahoots with sections of the police to stifle political freedoms and intimidate opposition voices.

“It is becoming increasingly clear that @WilliamsRuto regime is intent on building and maintaining a militia, parallel to and working in cahoots with sections of the police, to unleash politically motivated thuggery, aimed at curtailing the enjoyment of civil liberties by the opposition,” she wrote on X.

Karua maintained that despite such attacks, the opposition would not bow to threats and intimidation.

“We must remain steadfast in our pursuit for a better Kenya even in the face of such unwarranted criminal acts. There must be no retreat, no surrender to oppression. A more comprehensive statement will follow in due course,” she stated.

Maraga slams Ruto

Former Chief Justice David Maraga has also strongly condemned the violence witnessed during the return of Gachagua.

In a strongly worded statement shared via his official X account on Thursday, August 21, 2025, Maraga accused President Ruto of presiding over an administration that allows “armed militias” to unleash violence on citizens, even as security forces stand by without intervention.

“I strongly condemn the use of violence against citizens and journalists during the return of the former Deputy President from his visit to the United States,” Maraga stated.

He warned that such acts undermine the safety and security of the nation and erode public trust in state institutions.

“President Ruto’s continued use of armed militias against citizens – as security forces watch without any action – continues to threaten the safety and security of the nation,” Maraga wrote on X.