Gachagua Accuses Politicised Police Units of Terror, Demands IG Explain Command Breakdown

Former Deputy President and DCP Party Leader Rigathi Gachagua has launched a scathing attack on Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, accusing him of surrendering command of the National Police Service (NPS) to politicians and presiding over what he termed a dangerous breakdown of police professionalism and accountability.

In a strongly worded statement, Gachagua alleged that sections of the police have been weaponised to intimidate political opponents, creating insecurity instead of protecting citizens. He questioned whether the IG still exercises effective command over the Service, warning that the country may be facing the existence of “parallel police commands.”

Alleged Kirinyaga Incident

Gachagua cited an incident that allegedly occurred on January 9, 2026, in Kirinyaga County, where a special squad of officers in civilian clothes reportedly arrived in the county and commandeered two police Land Cruisers from Baricho and Wang’uru police stations.

According to Gachagua, the squad was allegedly led by an officer attached to the Murang’a County Woman Representative. He further claimed that the same officer had previously been involved in violent incidents, including an alleged attack on Murang’a Senator John Methu in July 2025, and the disruption of political activities during recent Narok by-elections, where Gachagua says his convoy was attacked and residents terrorised.

Roadblock and Attack Claims

Gachagua further alleged that the same squad, working jointly with Kirinyaga County Government askaris, mounted an illegal roadblock along the Sagana–Kagio–Kutus Road, a short distance from Sagana Police Station. He claims his convoy was violently confronted using tear gas and live ammunition, resulting in injuries to one of his security personnel, damage to vehicles, and the robbery of communication equipment belonging to his media team.

The DCP leader said the incident forced his team to retreat temporarily and use an alternative route to Kagio Town, where he later addressed a large gathering of supporters.

Contrasting Police Conduct

In a twist, Gachagua noted that another group of uniformed officers, reportedly under the command of the Area Sub-County Commander, monitored the political meeting from a distance and allowed it to proceed peacefully without interference—an action he said exposed glaring inconsistencies in police conduct and command.

Demands to the Inspector General

Gachagua challenged IG Kanja to publicly explain what he described as chaos within the National Police Service, asking whether there are officers operating outside the IG’s authority or whether senior command has been undermined by political pressure.

“If you are truly in charge,” Gachagua said, “we expect the immediate arrest of the officers involved and their prosecution, including charges of robbery with violence for the theft of our media equipment.”

“Embarrassed as a Neighbour”

Striking a personal tone, Gachagua said he was “deeply embarrassed” by the IG’s stewardship of the Service, accusing him of allowing a “junior, overzealous and bellicose politician” to exert influence over police operations.

The National Police Service had not issued an official response to the allegations by the time of publication. However, the claims are likely to reignite debate on police neutrality, political interference, and the independence of security agencies as the country navigates an increasingly charged political environment.

The incident adds to growing concerns from opposition leaders and civil society groups over the alleged use of state security organs in political contests—claims the government has previously denied.