Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has ignited a political firestorm after launching a scathing and deeply controversial attack on Inspector General Douglas Kanja, accusing the National Police Service of working with criminal gangs in what could escalate into a major national security scandal.
In a strongly worded social media post that has since gone viral, Gachagua openly questioned Kanja’s authority, raising alarm over what he described as a dangerous breakdown of law and order.
“Mr. Douglas Kanja, the Inspector General of the National Police, are you really in charge of the National Police Service?” Gachagua posed.
“Goons Have Taken Over the Police”
In one of his most explosive claims, the former Deputy President alleged that criminal elements have infiltrated the police service, operating openly under the watch of senior leadership.
“I have severally reminded you that under your leadership, goons have become part of the National Police Service. But you seem unbowed and unbothered at all,” he charged.
He went further, accusing police officers of directly participating in violence against civilians.
“Your officers, in broad daylight, have been shamelessly attacking innocent Kenyans and working alongside goons,” he said.
Explosive Church Attack Allegations
Gachagua’s claims took a shocking turn as he detailed an alleged attack at ACK Witima Church in Othaya, saying even places of worship are no longer safe.
“At the ACK Witima church in Othaya, police officers with goons, using police vehicles attacked children, leaders, and women in church. They destroyed our vehicles and used live ammunition and teargas canisters in church,” he alleged.
Despite claiming the officers involved were identified, Gachagua accused the police command of failing to act.
“To date, despite them having been positively identified and placed on the scene of crime, no disciplinary action has been taken against them,” he added.
Kikuyu Chaos and “Protected Criminals”
Referencing last weekend’s chaos in Kikuyu, Gachagua alleged that police officers not only failed to stop crime but actively enabled it.
“Last Saturday in Kikuyu, your officers protected criminals as they robbed and harassed motorists along the Nakuru highway and Southern Bypass,” he claimed.
He also described what he termed as a coordinated crackdown by a shadowy unit.
“In the afternoon, a squad of special officers brutally attacked us and members of the public with guns and tear gas. They were hooded and armed to the teeth,” he said.
Dagoretti Tensions Rise
In a dramatic escalation, Gachagua warned that the same group of officers had allegedly been deployed to Dagoretti ahead of his planned meeting.
“The same squad has arrived in Dagoretti ahead of my meeting this afternoon to cause mayhem and attack innocent Kenyans. They are using the same vehicle they used in Kikuyu,” he claimed.
“Has the Police Been Captured?”
Raising serious constitutional concerns, Gachagua questioned whether the police service had been compromised by political forces.
“Is it that you have surrendered the command of the police to politicians or you have allowed the National Police Service to be converted into a criminal gang?” he posed.
In an unprecedented move, he went further to publicly name officers he alleged were involved in an “attack recce,” even providing details of a vehicle he claimed they were using.
“Be advised Mr. Kanja, that criminal culpability remains as per the law,” he warned.
Growing Pressure for Answers
The sensational allegations have sparked intense public debate, with Kenyans online demanding answers and accountability, while critics accuse Gachagua of escalating tensions through politically charged statements.
The claims come amid heightened political activity and growing scrutiny over policing in the country, placing the spotlight firmly on the leadership of the National Police Service.
Efforts to get a response from the National Police Service by the time of publication were unsuccessful.
As pressure mounts, the unfolding standoff between Gachagua and the police leadership could shape the national conversation on security, accountability, and political influence in the days ahead.
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