Rigathi Gachagua says life in danger, alleges assassination plot

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has publicly claimed that his life is under threat, alleging a coordinated assassination plot involving state actors and hired criminals. 

In a detailed letter, addressed to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and copied to President William Ruto, Gachagua outlined a series of incidents he claims demonstrate a deliberate attempt to eliminate him.

“On 28th December, 2024 in Shamata, Nyandarua County, an inspector of police flanked by organized criminal gangs threw teargas canister at me to scatter my supporters and create a fertile avenue to attack me with an assassination intent. The inspector of police, well known to you, has not been disciplined for destabilizing peace and an attempted assassination,” reads the letter in part.

My life is in danger. pic.twitter.com/LxqmP5uvG6

— Rigathi Gachagua (@rigathi) April 15, 2025

He further went ahead and said that on 18th January, 2025 at Kamukunji grounds in Nyeri Town, at a prayer rally organized by the popularly known Rev. Maina Wa OTC, when his Spouse Pastor Dorcas Rigathi was preaching, an attack gang well known to the IG, descended on the congregation and took over the prayer meeting.

“My spouse had to be whisked away by her private security. The police in civilian attire joined forces with the criminals and hitherto, no action has been taken. You are well aware that I was to attend these prayers and after an intelligence tip-off, I skipped as a responsible citizen to avoid what would have been a retaliation by my supporters which you know would have led to conflict, bad for our nation.”

He continued as says on 29th March, 2025 in Naivasha town, a contingent of police officers under the command of a one Mr. Keter, OCPD Naivasha, heavily armed, beat and roughed up innocent and armless residents of the town who had organically gathered to greet him.

“The same police officers, trailed my motorcade, harassed my staff up to Mai Mahiu shopping Centre where they clobbered residents and threw teargas canisters to innocent citizens who were trying to speak to me and greet me. Again, Mr. Douglas Kanja, IG, your silence is the loudest ever.”

Adrresing the IG he said. “You are aware that there have been deliberate plans to attack my homes in Nairobi, Nyeri and my properties across the country by individuals well known to you or where you are a culpable accomplice. How would you take action anyway?

You are also well aware that Security Agencies have been trailing me with marked and unmarked vehicles,” he wrote.

The former deputy president, who served under President Ruto from 2022 until his ousting, has been a vocal critic of the administration since his impeachment. 
His removal from office marked a historic first in Kenya, with the Senate voting 54 out of 67 in favour of his dismissal.

Gachagua has further demanded the for an investigation into the alleged threats, citing his constitutional right to safety as a Kenyan citizen.

He further sent out a couple of demands such as “Immediate arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators of violence. That security should be provided with immediate effect and protection of his homes and property among other demands.

He added “take firm notice that might further violence and assassination attempts be meted on me whatsoever; you will be personally responsible to the people of the Republic of Kenya and to the entire world.”