We Will Arrest You, Ruto Officials Warn Rigathi Gachagua

The Kenyan political landscape is experiencing heightened tensions as senior government officials issue stern warnings to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, alleging incitement and threatening legal repercussions if his rhetoric continues. 

These warnings come amidst accusations that Gachagua is exploiting ethnic sentiments for political gain in advance of the 2027 General Election, raising concerns about national security and electoral integrity. The immediate catalyst for these warnings were statements made by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen over the weekend. They accused Gachagua of potentially endangering national security by inciting violence and engaging in premature campaigns fueled by fear tactics. 

Murkomen emphasised that Gachagua would face arrest if his rhetoric endangers national security. These accusations mark a significant escalation in the political discord between the government and the former deputy president, whose tenure was cut short by impeachment by Parliament last October. The current administration perceives Gachagua's actions as attempts to undermine the government and destabilise the nation, particularly through rhetoric that invokes the spectre of past electoral violence.

Gachagua has dismissed these threats, defending his remarks as a necessary civic duty to ensure electoral integrity in the 2027 elections. Speaking on Sunday, he argued that his warnings were not incitement but rather a call for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to conduct free and fair elections. Gachagua cautioned that any mismanagement by the IEBC could lead to political turmoil worse than the 2007 post-election violence, which resulted in over 1,000 deaths and the displacement of thousands.

His defence underscores the sensitivity surrounding electoral issues in Kenya, where historical instances of disputed elections have led to widespread violence and instability. The 2007/08 post-election violence remains a stark reminder of the potential consequences, with figures like former President Uhuru Kenyatta and Dr. Ruto having faced charges at the International Criminal Court (ICC), though the cases were later dismissed.

Murkomen reiterated his stance in Trans Nzoia County, accusing Gachagua of sowing discord. Murkomen asserted that the government would not hesitate to act against individuals jeopardising national stability. He stated, "Let him continue making noise and inciting Kenyans—we will arrest him." Murkomen also alluded to political figures deliberately fostering insecurity to tarnish the government's reputation.

Adding to the chorus of condemnation, Deputy President Kindiki equated politicians instigating violence with militant groups like Al-Shabaab and criminal gangs operating in the Rift Valley. Speaking at an interdenominational service in Amagoro, Kindiki asserted, "The 2007/08 violence taught Kenyans painful lessons. Anyone predicting similar unrest is a threat to peace and must be rejected." He assured that the 2027 elections would be conducted fairly and peacefully.

Defending himself against accusations of incitement, Gachagua has accused the government of stoking unrest through intimidation tactics and deploying organised groups to disrupt his meetings. Gachagua went further, accusing security agencies of orchestrating abductions and extrajudicial killings, particularly targeting Gen Z protesters. He stated, "The truth is that the Gen Z massacre happened under your watch, Prof. Kindiki. Your hands are stained with blood—you cannot speak about peace while presiding over forced disappearances."

Murkomen also directed criticism at Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, urging him to desist from attacking the government and engaging in divisive politics. Murkomen warned that certain politicians are exploiting ethnic identities to mobilise support, fostering tension within communities. The government's warnings to Gachagua and other politicians underscore its commitment to maintaining national stability and preventing any recurrence of past electoral violence.

In an attempt to redirect focus toward governance, Prof. Kindiki highlighted economic improvements under President Ruto’s leadership. Addressing congregants in Busia, he pointed to the declining cost of essential commodities as evidence of progress. He asserted that Kenya’s economy has been ranked sixth in Africa, overtaking Angola and South Africa, and expressed optimism that it could soon be among the continent’s top three economies.