NAIROBI, Kenya — Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has sounded the alarm over his personal safety after the government allegedly withdrew his security detail, a development he says puts his life at risk amid ongoing political tensions.
Speaking on Monday, Gachagua claimed the decision to remove his security was unjustified and dangerous, arguing that his continued influence in national politics and support across the country warrant state protection.
“I want to tell the people of Kenya that Rigathi Gachagua is not safe. The government withdrew security from him despite his senior status in the country,” Gachagua said, emphasising what he described as his continuing relevance ahead of the 2027 general election cycle.
Gachagua, leader of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), maintained that although he is no longer in office, his public profile and political standing make him a prominent figure whose safety should be guaranteed under state protection protocols.
He alleged that the security withdrawal is linked to a broader political fallout with the current administration and reflects deeper disagreements over dynamics in the Mt Kenya region, a key electoral bloc.
According to Gachagua, the removal of his detail is part of a strategy to weaken his influence by fragmenting the region’s voting power, specifically by promoting divisions between Mt Kenya East and West — a claim his critics dismiss as political rhetoric.
Broader context and past incidents
Gachagua’s complaints echo earlier episodes following his impeachment as Deputy President in October 2024, after which his protection detail was initially scaled down. At the time, some security personnel and official vehicles were later reinstated amid public pressure.
In April 2025, Gachagua alleged a series of violent incidents and alleged assassination attempts on his life, writing to the Inspector General of Police to demand enhanced protection and legal action against those he accused of orchestrating threats.
The National Police Service has publicly advised Gachagua to liaise with police officers ahead of public engagements to facilitate security planning, while affirming its commitment to providing protection to all citizens in accordance with the law.
Gachagua has also previously said he relies on civilian licensed firearm holders for personal protection, a controversial claim in a country where private security is tightly regulated and political violence concerns persist.
Government and legal response
Government authorities have not directly confirmed that state security was formally withdrawn on political grounds. Officials have consistently stated that protection for former senior leaders is subject to national security assessments and internal policy, rather than partisan considerations.
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Political analysts see Gachagua’s public warnings as part of a broader tussle between him and the leadership of President William Ruto, particularly as internal dynamics within the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and allied coalitions shift ahead of the next election cycle.
Critics of Gachagua’s narrative argue that scaled-down security arrangements are a routine outcome of leaving high office, not an orchestrated campaign against him, and point to existing legal provisions that require citizens to cooperate with police for personal protection.
Nonetheless, Gachagua insists that restoring his security is necessary not only for his personal safety but also as recognition of his stature and continued involvement in national political affairs.
