POLITICS

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has encouraged a push by a coalition of Kenyan leaders for the establishment of an Independent Public Commission of Inquiry. The commission would investigate the trend of abductions, extra-judicial killings, resurgence of criminal gangs, and allegations of state capture. The move follows growing concerns over escalating human rights violations and the erosion of democratic values. “The abductions and extra-judicial killings that have been happening are clearly state-sanctioned,” he said The former DP went on to state his alignment with calls for an independent commission to address gross human rights violations, ensure justice for victims, and prevent future occurrences.   His comment follows a press statement released by the coalition detailing the alarming frequency of abductions targeting critics of the government and other vulnerable groups.  In the statement, the leaders also raised concerns about the lack of accountability within security agencies.  They also want Parliament to convene special sessions in the National Assembly, Senate, and county assemblies to discuss the abductions and adopt necessary policies. However, the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Inspector General of Police have distanced themselves from responsibility, citing ignorance of those involved. 

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on January 5, took to social media to show support for Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya. Gachagua in his post urged the Governor not to listen to naysayers and instead keep fighting for the residents of Trans Nzoia County. “My dear brother Governor Natembeya, please do not let the court poets and masters of platitude distract you from the work you are doing of delivering to the people of Trans-Nzoia County.These Court Jesters are on the misguided assignment of providing comic relief to their master. And do not be cowed from speaking out on behalf of the people of Kenya when necessary,” he wrote. According to the former DP, all the backlash the Governor was receiving resulted from the impact he was making by speaking the truth. He went on to urge Natembeya to keep up the good work and not be cowed by any rants and tirades being thrown at him. “My prayer is that you will continue to do so, and to unite your people and protect their dignity and political pride.This unity, I assure you, will ensure that your people’s interests are always front and centre of the focus of any administration. May God continue to be with you.” This comes a few days after Natembeya made audacious remarks to the President regarding the abductions that attracted a barrage of criticism from several other political leaders. After his remark the Governor received a lot of criticism from other politicians among them being National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah who accused the former police regional commander of leading the abductions during his tenure.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has directed Mukurwe-ini MP John Kaguchia to file a petition calling for the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate the government over the alleged use of the outlawed Mungiki faction. Speaking during a church service at Guardian Angel Tetu Catholic Church in Nyeri County Gachagua alleged that the government, through Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, is covertly sponsoring the outlawed group with the intent to cause havoc among the people of Mt Kenya. ”The ICC should not wait until crimes against humanity have been committed. This gang is known to have committed crimes against humanity. ‘Why can’t the police instead of giving protection to that criminal gang as directed by the Deputy President deal with the alcohol issue?”  He further directed his ally, Kaguchia, to document all the crimes committed by the Mungiki sect in the earlier years and forward the same to the court. ”Hon Kaguchia, you must get a team and document all the crimes that were committed by that team of outlawed sects in the 1990s because those were crimes against humanity and start engaging the ICC,”Gachagua directed. With no doubt, Gachagua was relating to the December 31 political rally, led by the controversial pastor and political leader Maina Njenga.  During the meeting, Njenga, who has in the past been linked with Mungiki publicly revealed that he was supporting president William Ruto.  Njenga further introduced what he termed the Kabiruini Declaration, which commits young people in the region to work alongside the current government.