Gachagua accuses Ruto of unleashing state-sponsored militia in Murang’a
By Kenneth Mwenda, July 27, 2025Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has issued a scathing statement condemning the violent incident that took place on Sunday, July 27, 2025, at Ngonda Shopping Centre in Murang’a County, where several Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) members were met with teargas and compelled to flee.
The confrontation occurred shortly after Nyandarua Senator John Methu and other Gachagua allies attended a service at AIPCA Christ the King Church in Kigumo. The leaders were scheduled to address several public rallies, but police blocked their convoy. The situation escalated when teargas canisters were fired, forcing Senator Methu and others to flee on foot.
“Police officers who appeared to be under very clear instructions have attacked us at Ngonda, Kigumo Constituency and used live ammunition on my vehicle, forcing us to escape by foot,” Senator Methu stated. “Listen Mr. William Samoei Ruto, no amount of violence and police brutality shall change our WanTam resolve.”
Gachagua blames Ruto, Murkomen
Following the incident, Gachagua issued a strongly worded statement on social media, accusing President William Ruto and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen of orchestrating the attack. He labelled the event “barbaric, dictatorial, and violence against the very soul of our nation.”
“I have learnt of the unfortunate event at Ngonda Shopping Centre, in Murang’a where state-sponsored militia accompanied by rogue police officers under instructions of Mr. William Ruto and CS for Interior Kipchumba Murkomen have violently beaten wananchi and leaders after church service,” Gachagua wrote on his X account.
He further questioned the morality of the president.
“How do you go to church, reconcile your conscience at the Holy Altar, while you instruct your police and goons to kill Kenyans in the same neighbourhood?”
Photos from the scene showed a damaged vehicle from Methu’s convoy. Gachagua warned that the actions resembled those of African dictators like Idi Amin and Mobutu Sese Seko, accusing Ruto of adopting repressive tactics.
Gachagua called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the police officers and individuals involved and warned the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, that “justice will be served no matter how long it takes.”