Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has launched a scathing attack on President William Ruto, making explosive allegations about state-sponsored violence, a secret NIS hit squad, and Ruto’s unresolved ICC cases. In a fiery press statement, Gachagua accused the government of orchestrating violence during the Saba Saba protests to frame the Kikuyu community.
“Ruto’s Anger Won’t Help, Kenyans Are Angrier” – Gachagua
In a dramatic escalation of political tensions, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused President William Ruto of presiding over a regime that has deployed hit squads to suppress protests. Speaking to local media, Gachagua claimed that the National Intelligence Service (NIS) has been operating a covert unit disguised as DCI officers, driving Subaru vehicles, and shooting protesters.
“NIS has procured Subarus to give the impression that the killer squad is from the DCI, but the truth is, DCI has nothing to do with it,” Gachagua alleged. “This special squad was formed while I was still in government, and officers were recruited and taken through specialized training.”
The claims come days after violent clashes during the Saba Saba protests on July 7, 2025, where at least 20 people were reportedly killed. Gachagua insists that the government is using the chaos to profile the Kikuyu community and justify a crackdown on dissent.
“Ruto’s ICC Cases Were Only Paused, Not Closed”
In a stunning revelation, Gachagua reminded President Ruto that his International Criminal Court (ICC) cases—stemming from the 2007-2008 post-election violence—were never conclusively dismissed.
“President Ruto’s ICC cases are still ongoing and were paused after witnesses disappeared,” Gachagua said. “It is clear that history is repeating itself. Ruto is hellbent on finishing his unfinished business with the Mt. Kenya region.”
This statement is likely to reignite debate over Ruto’s past, with critics suggesting that his administration is resorting to violent tactics reminiscent of the 2007 crisis.
“Stop Blaming Uhuru and Kibaki – Your Problems Are Self-Made”
Gachagua dismissed Ruto’s recent claims that former Presidents Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta had an easier time governing, arguing that most of their challenges were caused by Ruto himself.
“It is hypocritical for you to allege that Kibaki and Uhuru had an easy time. Most of the problems Kibaki and Uhuru had came from yourself,” Gachagua fired back.
He also lamented that Mt. Kenya voters now regret ignoring Uhuru Kenyatta’s warnings about Ruto’s leadership.
“95% of Kenyans Want to Vote You Out”
Gachagua, who now leads the Democratic Conservative Party (DCP), urged Gen Z protesters to channel their energy into voter registration, insisting that the ballot—not protests—is the surest way to remove Ruto.
“We want to tell you that the ‘Wantam’ movement is not getting you out of power outside the constitution. No one wants to overthrow your government. I and the people we work with are on record saying we want to remove you from State House via the ballot,” he declared.
He further accused Ruto of manufacturing a coup narrative to justify using anti-terrorism laws to target opposition figures.
“This narrative you are creating that there is an attempt to overthrow the government is for you to have the opportunity to use the Terrorism Act to profile the community and persecute leaders opposed to your administration,” he said.
“Double Standards in Charging Protesters”
Gachagua also highlighted alleged bias in how protesters from different regions are treated, citing contrasting charges for similar offenses.
“When a police station in Homa Bay was allegedly torched, the suspects were charged with arson, but when a police station is alleged to have been torched in Kiambu, the suspects were charged with terrorism,” he noted.
This, he argued, is part of a wider scheme to criminalize dissent in opposition strongholds.
“Ruto’s Government Planning to Block My Travel”
In another startling claim, Gachagua alleged that the state is planning to prevent him from traveling to the U.S. later today.
“They are planning to block me from leaving the country this evening to the U.S.,” he said, without providing further details.
Final Warning: “You Can’t Sell Us Fear”
Closing his remarks, Gachagua issued a defiant message to Ruto:
“You can’t sell us fear, and if you sell it to us, we will not buy it.”
The statements mark a dramatic rupture between Ruto and his former deputy, signaling an all-out political war ahead of the 2027 elections.
What Next?
With tensions at an all-time high, Kenyans are watching to see if Ruto will respond to these allegations or if more explosive revelations will follow. One thing is clear: the battle for 2027 has begun, and it’s going to be brutal.
