Nassir Calls on Ruto to Protect Gachagua Ahead of Planned Protests

Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Sheriff Nassir has called on the national government to guarantee the safety of opposition leaders and protect their constitutional rights should they organise demonstrations.

Speaking in Mombasa on Tuesday, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) deputy leader condemned the recent police raid on Witima ACK Church in Othaya, describing it as unacceptable and a violation of civic values. He stressed that the right to peaceful protest is protected by the Constitution and must be respected to preserve political stability. 

“The difference between you and us is values,” Nassir said. “Our values value your right to be able to demonstrate.”

Nassir added that ODM would mobilise its affiliates to provide security for opposition supporters during any planned protests, criticising what he described as the government’s failure to safeguard demonstrators in the past. His remarks reflect the party’s wider position that both government and opposition voices should be expressed without fear of intimidation.

His intervention comes after Democracy for the Citizen Party leader Rigathi Gachagua threatened to lead nationwide protests if police officers allegedly involved in the Witima Church incident are not arrested by mid-February. Gachagua has labelled the raid an “assassination attempt planned by the government” and submitted names of officers he believes should be investigated to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations. The National Police Service has not yet issued a formal response.