President William Ruto’s close aide, Farouk Kibet, has accused former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of orchestrating chaos during the recent Nairobi protests that erupted following the death of blogger Albert Ojwang. The protests, which were initially meant to demand justice for Ojwang, turned violent on Thursday, with property destroyed and two vehicles torched.
Addressing the public during a fundraiser in Uasin Gishu County on Saturday, Kibet lashed out at Gachagua, branding him a “tribalist” and accusing him of inciting Kenyans to burn the city under the guise of protests.
“The tribalist has announced a roadmap. The other day, he started with burning cars in Nairobi. He went ahead to say there is a holiday on the 25th to burn Nairobi. Will they burn Kenya while we watch?” Kibet questioned. “Which protesters are allowed to burn the city?”
Kibet’s remarks come amid growing concern over political undertones surrounding the demonstrations, which followed Ojwang’s controversial death in police custody at the Central Police Station in Nairobi.
In response, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja condemned the destruction of property and vowed that those behind the chaos would face the full force of the law. He emphasized the need to differentiate between peaceful demonstrations and violent riots.
“Peaceful protests are protected by the constitution, but violence and destruction of property will not be tolerated,” said Sakaja. “We will ensure proper investigations are carried out, and all those culpable are arrested and prosecuted.”
Meanwhile, investigations into Ojwang’s death are ongoing. The Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) has taken up the matter, while several officers at the Central Police Station have already been interdicted. Among those arrested are Officer Commanding Station (OCS) Samson Talaam and officer James Mukhwana.
Ojwang’s death has sparked national outrage, reigniting debate around police brutality in Kenya. As emotions continue to run high, leaders are being urged to refrain from politicizing the matter and allow the relevant authorities to conclude their investigations and deliver justice.
