Government Assassination Allegations

Rigathi Gachagua, the Democracy for Citizens party leader and former Deputy President, alleged that the government orchestrated a plot to kill him upon his return from the United States. He claimed that police officers disguised as goons attempted to assassinate him in Pipeline, Nairobi, shortly after he landed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

Details of the Alleged Plot

According to Gachagua, police infiltrated groups of youths positioned along his convoy to stage an attack that could be blamed on "goon violence." He further alleged that a heavy object was dropped on his vehicle in an attempt to harm him. Despite this, he escaped unharmed and was forced to abandon a rally at Kamukunji after his team assessed a severe security risk.

Civil War Warning

The ex-Deputy President warned that such actions could destabilize the country, accusing Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen of authorizing the plan. Gachagua claimed that his death would have triggered a civil war.

Claims of Planned Arrest

He also alleged that the government intended to arrest him upon arrival, but his supporters’ massive turnout at JKIA thwarted the plan. Gachagua insisted that Murkomen’s threats forced his supporters to shield him from possible detention.

Awaiting Government Response

The government has yet to issue a formal response to Gachagua’s claims, which have intensified debate about political dissent and state repression in Kenya.