Gachagua Leads Opposition Charge Against Police Impunity
Politics Updated: 30 January 2026 18:01 EAT
United Opposition led by Rigathi Gachagua storms CBD castigates police IG for church chaos in Nyeri ACK
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Friday intensified pressure on the national government after leading a delegation of opposition leaders to confront the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, over what they described as rising insecurity, police brutality and the use of goons to intimidate citizens and opposition figures.
Gachagua said Nairobi, once regarded as a city of global stature, has suffered reputational damage due to what he termed poor governance and failure by the national government to enforce law and order. He accused authorities of allowing criminal elements to operate with impunity.
Speaking after the meeting with the IG, Gachagua claimed that violent groups are allegedly operating under police supervision in Nairobi and other parts of the country, a situation he said threatens national stability and constitutional order.
The opposition leaders said the meeting with the police chief focused on accountability within the security services, particularly allegations of excessive force, selective enforcement of the law and failure to arrest known perpetrators of violence.
After the engagement, Gachagua and his allies proceeded to Wakulima Market, where they briefed traders and residents on the outcome of the talks and reiterated their commitment to resist what they described as the normalisation of impunity.
Gachagua warned that Kenyans should not remain silent as the country edges closer to the 10 August 2027 General Election, insisting that safeguarding democracy requires active citizen participation and courage to confront injustice.
The former deputy president said the opposition would “call impunity by its name and meet it head on,” arguing that Kenya risks sliding into anarchy if security agencies continue to act without accountability.
He was flanked by key opposition figures, including Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, PLP leader Martha Karua, DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, former National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi, and former Kakamega senator Cleophas Malala.
The leaders presented a united front, signalling a renewed effort to consolidate opposition forces around governance, security reforms and electoral accountability ahead of 2027.
Gachagua also referenced recent violent incidents involving opposition leaders and supporters, claiming that several Kenyans have lost their lives without justice being served despite suspects allegedly being known to authorities.
He argued that injustice against any Kenyan, regardless of tribe, belief or political affiliation, poses a direct threat to the 2010 Constitution, which enshrines equality, human rights and the rule of law.
The opposition leaders warned that continued failure to address the alleged abuses would compel them to escalate pressure through public mobilisation and sustained political action.
They announced plans to return to Othaya Town over the weekend as part of their nationwide engagements, insisting they would not be intimidated or silenced.
Gachagua concluded by saying Kenya is bigger than any individual or office holder, calling on citizens to stand together to protect the nation’s democratic foundations and ensure leadership accountability.
The developments underscore rising political tensions as opposition groups sharpen their strategy and rhetoric ahead of the next election cycle, with security and governance emerging as central battleground issues.
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FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD