Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has promised to increase police salaries if elected, saying improved pay would help curb what he described as harassment of Kenyans on the roads.

Speaking on Monday evening in Makueni county during his ongoing tour of the Ukambani region, Gachagua said improving police welfare would help restore trust between officers and the public.

“We want the police to take tea at home so they can stop harassing people on the road,” he said.

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“If we get into government, we will increase your salaries and fix your issues.”

Gachagua, while addressing the residents, criticised the current state of policing, suggesting that low pay and poor working conditions contribute to misconduct.

He said reforms would focus on rebuilding relations between police officers and citizens, noting that enforcement should not be punitive but guided by fairness and understanding.

“We want to make changes so we fix things and restore friendship between the police and common mwanainchi,” he said.

In a lighter moment that drew laughter from the crowd, Gachagua proposed a different approach to handling minor alcohol-related offences.

“If a police officer finds you after taking two or three drinks, instead of putting you in a Land Cruiser, he should take you directly to your wife,” he said.

The remarks come as part of a broader political message Gachagua has been delivering during a five-day tour across Makueni, Kitui and Machakos counties, where he is engaging residents and rallying support ahead of the 2027 General Election.

In remarks shared after the first day of the tour, Gachagua said the visits are aimed at keeping supporters informed about national issues while presenting an alternative political vision.

“Forward ever, backwards never. As the United Alternative Government team, we have embarked on our five-day tour across Makueni, Kitui and Machakos,” he said.

“Our mission is to keep our supporters informed about the current happenings in our country and to share our vision and solutions for the upcoming general elections.”

He praised residents of Tawa in Mbooni Constituency for what he described as resilience and active participation in mass voter registration.

“I commend the young people who have stepped up, mobilised themselves, and actively participated in voter registration. The youth of Ukambani have not been left behind,” Gachagua said.

Gachagua also maintained his now familiar reference to residents of the region as “cousins,” a term he has previously used to describe perceived cultural ties between communities.

Addressing residents in Mbumbuni and Kikima, he thanked them for their support and commitment to what he termed national progress.

“The people of Kenya are determined and committed to reclaiming their country,” he said.

“We stand united in the ongoing struggle for a stronger, better Kenya.”

He added that there is urgency in building a united political front ahead of the next election, saying leaders aligned to his camp are focused on consolidating support at the grassroots.

Gachagua is expected to continue his engagements across the region in the coming days as part of the tour.