Gachagua allies fire back at state over Embu clashes

Allies of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua have stepped up their criticism of President William Ruto's administration following violent incidents reported in Embu on Saturday.

The leaders, speaking at ACK Witima Church on Sunday, questioned the government's handling of the clashes, alleged police involvement in the violence and several policies they said were hurting Kenyans.

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They also defended Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji, who has been linked to the unrest that disrupted Deputy President Kithure Kindiki's meeting at Nembure Stadium.

Nyandarua Senator and DCP Secretary General John Methu questioned why Kindiki did not prevent the disruption if, as deputy president, he had received intelligence indicating that the meeting could be attacked.

Methu also alleged that police officers were responsible for the violence at ACK Witima Church, rather than the goons blamed for the incident.

"Those who attacked ACK Witima are not goons, they are police officers, and they are known. Take them to court so the people of Witima can see they are treated like any other Kenyan," Methu said.

He challenged the government to arrest and prosecute the officers allegedly involved.

Mukurwe-ini MP John Kaguchia claimed that more than 200 police officers had surrounded Mukunji's home in an attempt to arrest him over the Embu clashes.

Kaguchia described the alleged operation as unjustified and accused government of arriving in Embu with money intended for residents.

He claimed those who were left out later clashed with police.

Methu also accused the government of relying on the criminal justice system to conceal what he described as failures in governance. He said Kenyans were becoming tired of the situation and wanted to be left alone.

The leaders further rejected what they described as attempts to divide the Mt Kenya region.

Murang'a Senator Joe Nyutu said residents had rejected efforts to split the region and remained behind Gachagua and his Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP).

"The mountain has one party and one leader, and that is Rigathi Gachagua and DCP," Nyutu said.

Nyutu also criticised a call by UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to bar Mukunji from contesting in the 2027 elections.

He said the electoral agency should demonstrate impartiality by also barring Omar from contesting.

Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia accused the government of allowing a pattern of attacks against political leaders and warned against actions that could make the country ungovernable ahead of the 2027 elections.

Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara also criticised the administration, saying the Kenya Kwanza administration had disappointed her despite her previous support for his government.

Kihara defended Gachagua's impeachment and accused the administration of pursuing a plan to divide the Mt Kenya region. She also questioned the government's use of law and order arguments in response to the Embu clashes.

Kajiado North MP Onesmus Ngogoyo questioned the decision to close Tata Chemicals, saying the company had employed local residents and provided water to the surrounding community for decades.

Ngogoyo warned that pushing people to the brink could trigger a backlash and asked President Ruto not to have Mukunji arrested.

Embakasi West MP Mark Mwenje criticised the government's handling of foreign traders, warning that Kenyans living and working abroad could face similar treatment in other countries.

Methu also raised concerns over churches that were attacked during periods of political unrest.

Former Mukurwe-ini MP Kabando wa Kabando accused the government of pushing the country towards conflict and cautioned against attempts to create divisions in Embu and other parts of the country.

Former Kieni MP Kanini Kega questioned why authorities were pursuing Mukunji while, according to him, those responsible for the earlier attack at ACK Witima had not been arrested.

He warned that the government's approach was taking the country down a dangerous path.