Kenya Kwanza Gov't to Abolish New Blue Police Uniform, Rigathi Gachagua Says

Deputy President William Ruto's running mate Rigathi Gachagua has hit out at Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i and his Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho, accusing them of misusing and mistreating police officers.

Gachagua pledged to restore dignity in the police service and improve their working conditions if the Kenya Kwanza Alliance under the leadership of Ruto ascends to power after the August 9th general elections.

“Karanja Kibicho and Matiang’i have misused the police officers, not a single day have they looked after their welfare. They have misused County Commissioners, DCCs, Chiefs, Assistant chiefs…these are people who have most been misused,” he said during a campaign rally in Nyandarua County on Saturday.

“The general populist in the civil service, we are aware of them because of lack of carrier progression. From Principal Secretaries all the way to the messenger, your day is coming. You are going to have a government that will dignify your work so that you can serve the people of Kenya.”

Gachagua, who was in the company of Ruto, further also vowed to abolish the new blue police uniform, which he claims a majority of officers are opposed to.

"You have suffered so much in the hands of Matiang'i and Kibicho. Even the new blue uniform that you don't want will be revoked and we return to the old one. The blue one will be left for PCEA church. It is the uniform of women's guild," he said.

Gachagua also accused Matiang’i and Kibicho of intimidating administration officers by forcing them to support Azimio La Umoja-One Kenya coalition presidential candidate Raila Odinga.

"We want to tell chiefs that we have heard they are being intimidated to help Raila win, failure to which they risk losing their jobs. Don't worry, we only have 57 days remaining and we will give you back your jobs. We want to guarantee all officers that their jobs are safe," he added.