'Accept you lost my support': Gachagua condemns attack at launch of his new political party

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has issued a strong condemnation following violent scenes witnessed on Thursday during the unveiling of his new political outfit, the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), in Nairobi.

The incident, which took place at the party headquarters in Lavington, saw a group of armed goons storm the party headquarters in Lavington in an apparent attempt to disrupt the event.

Gachagua's security personnel responded by firing in the air as the rowdy youth pelted them with stones. Three journalists were injured during the melee as Gachagua's men turned on them brandishing guns, forcefully confiscating their work equipment and deleting footage.

He described the incident as an orchestrated attack aimed at intimidating his supporters and disrupting the peaceful launch of the DCP. 

"Today, once again, you sent goons to attack me and members of the DCP at the party headquarters," he said, referring to what he claims were coordinated efforts to thwart the event by those aligned with his political rivals.

He recounted several incidents from the past year, including an attack at a funeral in Limuru, the assault of his wife and Christian worshippers in Nyeri, and a teargas attack during a prayer meeting in Nyandarua County. The former deputy president described these acts as part of a broader attempt to silence him and his followers.

In his statement, Gachagua also criticized the alleged involvement of law enforcement in the attacks, stating that police officers were complicit in the incidents by escorting the groups responsible for the violence. 

He went on to question why police had failed to arrest and prosecute the individuals involved, alleging that political pressure had been placed on law enforcement to hinder investigations.

"The police are complaining that you have stopped them from arresting and prosecuting the culprits in all these incidents. Why does this happen? Does it not bother your conscience that you have resorted to using criminal gangs and goons to intimidate and attack those who no longer support you?" Gachagua asked in his statement.

While condemning the violence, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on Thursday faulted the officials of the Gachagua-led party, accusing them of failing to notify the police about the event.

“National Police service was not notified of the launch. Preliminary investigations indicate that Gachagua's supporters were not paid and ended up causing the confusion..,'' said Murkomen.

Despite the violence, Gachagua remains resolute in his stance, reiterating that he will not be silenced. "Like a gentleman, just accept that you lost the trust and support of the people and move on," he remarked, signaling that his new political journey is well underway, regardless of the challenges.

The attack comes a month after Gachagua claimed his life was in danger following a string of attacks on his event and alleged politically motivated attacks since November 2024.