Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has claimed that threats and repeated attacks against him are meant to intimidate him and stop his political campaign against the government.

Speaking during an interview on Wednesday, March 19, 2026, Gachagua said he sometimes fears for his life, as well as the safety of his family and supporters.

“Saa ingine naogopa sana juu ya maisha yangu na familia yangu na wafuasi wangu,” he said.

He added that since leaving office, he has faced numerous confrontations both inside and outside churches.

“Kutoka nifurushwe ofisi, nimekumbana na vita kanisani na nje ya kanisa mara ishirini na nne. Nimepiga kwa polisi na hakuna hatua imechukuliwa,” he stated.

He claimed the attacks are part of a wider plan to force him to abandon his push against the current administration.

“Matumaini ya hii ni kufanya mimi niogope niache kupiga kampeni ya kuondoa serikali. Na mimi nikiogopa wao watakuwa wamefaulu. Kwa hivyo mimi naendelea,” he said.

Church attack and rising tensions

Gachagua’s remarks come against the backdrop of rising political tensions involving the opposition. In January 2026, his convoy was attacked during an incident at ACK Witima Church in Othaya, Nyeri County.

Opposition leaders later accused security officers of involvement, claiming that tear gas and live bullets were used, leaving congregants injured and property destroyed. The opposition said it had identified those responsible and demanded swift action.

Together with other leaders under the United Opposition, Gachagua issued a two-week ultimatum to Inspector General Douglas Kanja to arrest officers linked to the incident.

When the deadline lapsed in mid-February without arrests, the opposition signalled possible mass action, insisting that justice had not been served.

The group also wrote to the National Security Advisory Council, chaired by President William Ruto, listing more than 20 claimed incidents targeting Gachagua, his allies and members of the public across several counties.

‘Kenya is different’

During the interview, Gachagua was asked whether Kenya risks heading in the same direction as some neighbouring countries, where opposition leaders have been jailed.

He dismissed the comparison, saying Kenya’s democratic history sets it apart.

“Kenya sio Uganda na sio Tanzania. Hii ni nchi yenye demokrasia, ni nchi ya wapiganiaji uhuru. Hawa Wakenya ni wazalendo. Wako na rekodi ya kukataa kutawalwa na mabavu. Hapa Kenya ni tofauti,” he said.

His comments follow recent developments in the region. In Tanzania, opposition leader Tundu Lissu has remained in detention after being charged with treason, while in Uganda, veteran opposition figure Kizza Besigye has spent months in custody amid a prolonged legal battle.

Both cases have drawn criticism from rights groups, who argue that authorities are using state institutions to suppress dissent. Governments in both countries deny the claims.

Colonial comparison

Gachagua went further to accuse those in power of adopting tactics similar to colonial-era rule, arguing that oppression has not disappeared but only changed form.

“Wakoloni wako lakini ni weusi. Ile tabia ya wakoloni weupe na weusi ni moja,” he said.

He listed what he described as harassment of citizens, land injustices, abductions and unexplained taxation as examples.

“Kunyanyasa Wakenya, kuchukua mashamba yao, kuteka watoto nyara, kuua, kutoza watu kodi haijulikani inaenda. Hivyo ndivyo wakoloni weupe walikuwa wanafanya, hakuna tofauti,” he added.

Opposition push ahead of 2027

Gachagua has recently stepped up political activity as part of the United Opposition, which is positioning itself ahead of the 2027 General Election.

In recent weeks, he has toured several counties alongside leaders including Kalonzo Musyoka, Fred Matiang’i, Justin Muturi and Eugene Wamalwa.

The team has focused on issues such as the cost of living, public debt, agriculture and youth unemployment, while calling for unity among opposition parties.

Gachagua has framed the campaign as a broader struggle to “reclaim” the country, insisting that public support will determine the outcome.

Despite the threats he described, he maintained that he will continue with his political activities.

“Kwa hivyo mimi naendelea,” he said.