Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has claimed that his life and those of his family members are in danger, citing several incidents he believes were foiled assassination attempts.

In a letter addressed to President William Ruto and Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, Gachagua alleged that individuals allegedly known to the IG have attempted to attack his homes in Nairobi, Nyeri, and other locations.

 

 

“You withdrew my security in a clearly thought-out scheme and backward conspiracy to make me vulnerable to organized criminal gangs in cohort with the police and other security agencies, and you have been implementing this scheme,” he stated.

 

Gachagua, who was impeached in October 2024, has recently claimed that his security detail’s withdrawal was intentional and exposed him. The case challenging his impeachment is currently before the High Court, where he argues that he was denied the right to a fair hearing and that the charges against him were unsubstantiated.

 

 

“You [IG] are well aware, and it is within public knowledge, that this matter is still active in the courts within the territory of the Republic of Kenya,” the former Deputy President added in his letter.

 

Among the incidents listed by Gachagua is an event that occurred on January 18, 2025, at Kamukunji Grounds in Nyeri Town during a prayer rally organized by the popularly known Rev. Maina Wa OTC. While his spouse, Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, was preaching, a gang—allegedly known to the IG—descended on the congregation and disrupted the event. According to Gachagua, his spouse had to be whisked away by her private security team.

 

 

Gachagua, who previously served as a one-term MP and as a National Government Administrator, said he skipped the Nyeri meeting to avoid a possible retaliation by his supporters, which he feared could have led to conflict.

 

He accused the police of perpetuating the violence by “deliberately and idly” watching as the mayhem unfolded, during which peace-loving civilians were harassed and property was destroyed.

 

“On November 28, 2024, during a solemn funeral service in Limuru, Kiambu County, I was attacked by organized criminal gangs. My vehicles were damaged beyond repair, women and children were roughed up, property of unknown value was destroyed, and mourners were beaten—all while police watched. This was an assassination attempt that failed,” he alleged.

The former Deputy President also claims that National Intelligence Service (NIS) operatives have been trailing and stalking him and his immediate family members using unmarked vehicles or cars with fake or concealed number plates.

Gachagua has demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of those involved, as well as the deployment of security personnel at all public events he is scheduled to attend.

He has also called on IG Kanja to enhance security at his residences and to end what he described as unwarranted surveillance by NIS officers.