Rigathi Gachagua Claims Kenya Risks Becoming a Pariah State after Mask Seller's Shooting: "I Warned"
- Rigathi Gachagua condemned the police shooting of a face mask seller during protests, warning that Kenya is at risk of becoming a pariah state
- The former deputy president accused the current regime of orchestrating police brutality and allowing state-sponsored goons to attack peaceful demonstrators
- Gachagua questioned the government's alleged obsession with the bloodshed of young people, calling for an immediate end to violence
Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.
Former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua has strongly condemned the shooting of a face mask seller during protests demanding justice for slain blogger Albert Ojwang.
Source: Facebook
The incident occurred on Tuesday, June 17, when Nairobi descended into chaos with police accused of using excessive force against demonstrators.
The victim is in critical condition at the Kenyatta National Hospital, suffering from gunshot wounds, head injuries, whiplash, blunt trauma, and asthma attacks triggered by tear gas inhalation.
The protests, predominantly led by Kenya’s Gen Z, were marked by heavy police presence, tear gas, and shocking scenes of brutality that have drawn widespread condemnation.
Gachagua condemns brutality during protests
Gachagua described the incident as one of Kenya's darkest moments in the post-independence era, accusing the current regime of devaluing human life and driving the country towards international isolation.
He decried the excessive use of police force against young people and peaceful demonstrators, noting that protesters exercising their constitutional rights were met with brutality, destruction of property, and in some cases, death.
Gachagua alleged that the state deployed not only police officers but also sponsored thugs to suppress the protests, actions he said have embarrassed the nation on the global stage.
"The whole world stages our nation as a pariah state," the politician claimed.
Questioning the logic behind fatally shooting an unarmed hawker at close range, Gachagua criticised the security forces for what he termed as reckless and unjustified violence.
Did Gachagua warn of plot to kill Gen Z?
He reiterated his earlier warning of a plot allegedly involving President William Ruto, Nairobi governor Johnson Sakaja, and security agencies to unleash police brutality during the protests, which he believes has now materialised.
"I had clearly warned of a plan by the president and the governor of Nairobi county and other state machinery of their plans to unleash police brutality and thugs in a police bodyguard to kill our young people today. This has come to pass," he stated.
Gachagua challenged the government to explain why there appears to be an obsession with shedding the blood of young people and demanded accountability for the violence inflicted on demonstrators.
He urged the authorities to halt the brutality, listen to the concerns of Kenyans, and respect the constitutional rights of all citizens.
Source: Twitter
"How much more blood do you need to leave the Gen Z alone? What apology of the Gen Z and Albert Ojwang's father were you asking for? Stop the brutality and violence. It is doing more harm than good to our country. Listen to the Kenyan people," Gachagua advised.
He concluded his statement by quoting a phrase from the Bible, 'Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the soil'. drawn from the story of Cain and Abel.
Source: Facebook
What else should you know about Albert Ojwang's murder?
- PC James Mukhwana, linked to Ojwang's murder, claimed he deleted chats with OCS Samson Talaam after he warned him
- IPOA told the court that Ojwang's murder case is complex as key figures are wielding police powers
- Three suspects who allegedly tortured Ojwang to death were arrested as police recovered part of the destroyed CCTV
Why are Kenyans protesting?
Meanwhile, youths took to the streets to demand the resignation of Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat over his alleged involvement in the murder of Ojwang.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja had earlier stated that Ojwang was arrested for allegedly tarnishing Lagat's name in a social media post linking him to corruption and abuse of office.
Upon his arrival at the Nairobi Central Police Station, Ojwang was reportedly handed over to longtime inmates who fatally assaulted him.
Despite Lagat stepping aside, Kenyans have continued to push for his resignation, arguing that he is unfit to hold office as calls for accountability within the police force intensify.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
