Gachagua urges ICC probe over alleged govt-sponsored criminal gang

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has called on his political allies to engage the International Criminal Court (ICC) over what he claims is government involvement in reviving a criminal gang responsible for crimes against humanity.

Speaking during a church service in Nyeri County on Sunday, Gachagua alleged that the gang has resurfaced in the Mount Kenya region under the state's sponsorship.

He accused the government of using the gang to terrorise residents, drawing parallels with similar incidents from past decades.

“In the late 80s during the reign of President Moi, the government destroyed the economy and became very intolerant and dictatorial. When the people of this region started saying no, a criminal gang was formed to come and punish the people,” Gachagua said.

“This gang is known to have committed crimes against humanity. Now with the sponsorship of the government, they have come back and for sure they have started.”

He recalled the gang’s alleged atrocities, including a 2009 attack on a village in Nyeri County where 29 people were killed, women were raped, and residents were left traumatised.

Gachagua credited the late Interior Minister John Michuki for dismantling the gang at the time but warned that its resurgence poses a new threat.

The former Deputy President directed Mukurweini MP John Kaguchia and other allies to document the gang’s historical crimes and petition the ICC for an investigation.

“Document the atrocities that were committed by the criminal gang in the 90s because those were crimes against humanity and start engaging the ICC,” he urged.

Gachagua criticised the National Police Service for allegedly enabling the gang’s operations instead of safeguarding citizens. He also warned President William Ruto to act against the group, cautioning that any harm caused would ultimately fall under his responsibility.

“The President must be vigilant. If these atrocities continue, he will bear the liability,” he added.

Turning to the recent rise in abductions across the country, Gachagua accused the state of inaction, lamenting that families of missing youths are left in despair as bodies are recovered.

Since his removal from office in October 2024, Gachagua has been a vocal critic of the government, accusing it of mismanagement and tolerating criminal activities.

He was accompanied at the event by his wife, Dorcas Rigathi, Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, Mukurweini MP John Kaguchia, former Nyeri Town MP Ngunjiri Wambugu, and other local leaders, including Members of the County Assembly led by Speaker James Gichuhi.