Gachagua supporters hold protests over alleged death threats

Supporters of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Tuesday held demonstrations in Karatina and Kirinyaga, protesting claims of threats to his life.

Demonstrators light fires along the Mwea-Embu highway in Kirinyaga County, while others took to the Nyeri – Karatina highway following claims by the former DP that the government was targeting him.

The protests temporarily paralysed transport and caused disruption of businesses in the counties. They were later on dispersed by the police.

The protest comes a day after Gachagua alleged that President William Ruto ordered that he be 'dealt with once and for all', saying that he would be the only one to blame if anything was to happen to him. 

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Gachagua claimed that a group of 101 security officers including the National Police Service, National Intelligence Service and the General Service Unit had been deployed to commit a “heinous” act against him during a church service he had attended in Gatanga, Murang’a County.

He also alleged a plot to plant illegal weapons in his vehicles and those of the leaders who support him. 

Gachagua was impeached in October 2024 after his fall out with President Ruto and he has since them criticized Ruto’s administration and exposed alleged misconduct by top officials. He recently stated that he is not going to stop with the criticism which he says is the reason he is being targeted.