Use of criminal gangs in politics is a dangerous path, Gachagua warns state
By Lucy Mumbi |
Gachagua recalled similar challenges in the 1990s, when criminal gangs were reportedly used to quell political dissent during the push for multiparty democracy.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has criticised the government for allegedly using criminal gangs to influence politics, warning that such actions could lead to severe consequences.
Speaking about an incident in Limuru, Kiambu County, where he was forced to flee after a group of individuals disrupted the funeral service and attacked mourners, Gachagua accused the government of orchestrating the chaos to target him and other leaders critical of its administration.
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In an interview on Sunday with NTV, Gachagua recalled similar challenges in the 1990s, when criminal gangs were reportedly used to quell political dissent during the push for multiparty democracy.
"When criminals were brought in the 90s, they developed into something very problematic. Rooting them out was a painful and costly affair," he said.
He criticised the alleged strategy of deploying gangs to manage politics, describing it as a “dangerous path.”
According to Gachagua, such actions not only disrupt public meetings and intimidate leaders but also create a climate of lawlessness.
"You cannot allow criminal gangs to disrupt meetings, attack leaders, and do nothing about it. It creates a situation of lawlessness," he said.
Referring to the events in Limuru and similar incidents in Nakuru and Molo, Gachagua alleged that government insiders were behind the use of gangs to disrupt political meetings and stifle dissent.
He claimed the attacks targeted leaders who openly criticise government policies.
Gachagua emphasised the potential backlash from the public, stating, "Members of the public will not allow it. They will organise themselves and say no."
He added that residents of Limuru, who were unaware of the planned disruption, expressed regret over the incident, asserting they would have acted if they had known in advance.
The former deputy president also criticised law enforcement, alleging that authorities have failed to act against the perpetrators.
He claimed that despite clear evidence and identification of the attackers through videos on social media, no arrests have been made. Instead, he said, police have targeted Kiambu Senator Karungo Wa Thang’wa, who was also a victim of the attack.
According to Gachagua, Senator Thang’wa, whose vehicle was damaged during the Limuru incident, was summoned to Nyeri by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) despite reporting the crime in Limuru.
"The crime happened in Limuru, yet they are asking him to go to Nyeri," he said.
Gachagua called on the state to prioritise public security, ensure the safety of political meetings, and take decisive action against criminal gangs.
"We want the state to take over security, stop using criminal gangs, and arrest those characters," he said.
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