Rigathi Gachagua Threatens 100,000-Person March
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua publicly confronted Inspector General Douglas Kanja over alleged police brutality.
He accused the police boss of avoiding a scheduled meeting in Nairobi. Consequently, tensions escalated into an impromptu rally in Nyamakima.
Gachagua claimed Kanja exited through a back door to avoid opposition leaders. He vowed to return on Friday with a mass protest.
Furthermore, he warned that 100,000 supporters would march to the police headquarters.
Threat of Mass Demonstration
Gachagua said the march would pressure authorities to act. He promised to mobilize large crowds from across Nairobi. Accordingly, he warned the demonstration could paralyze the capital.
He framed the protest as a demand for accountability. Moreover, he insisted the police must arrest officers involved in a church incident.
Dispute Over ACK Witima Church Incident
The standoff centers on a January 25 teargas incident at ACK Witima Church. Gachagua attended the service when police fired canisters inside the compound.
Therefore, he described the act as an assassination attempt. He accused unnamed officers of targeting him deliberately.
Additionally, he blamed senior state leadership for enabling impunity. Authorities have not confirmed those claims publicly.
Opposition Accuses IG of Evasion
Opposition leaders said they scheduled a formal follow-up meeting. However, they alleged the Inspector General refused to appear. Instead, they interacted with junior officers.
Gachagua argued that continued inaction encourages further violence. He linked the church attack to broader national security concerns. Consequently, he framed Friday’s march as a fight for justice.
Political Tensions Intensify
The dispute highlights rising friction between opposition figures and police leadership. Meanwhile, the government has not issued a detailed response. Observers expect heightened political tension ahead of Friday.
Ultimately, the planned march could test public order and state response. Both sides now face pressure to resolve the confrontation peacefully.
