Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua went into hiding on Sunday evening after learning of plans by state agencies to arrest and interrogate him over alleged incitement remarks. Security sources confirmed that heavily armed and masked officers had been deployed to track him down in Murang’a County, where he had earlier attended a public event.
Gachagua reportedly evaded a police dragnet near Thika and was seen driving towards his Wamunyoro home in Nyeri. However, by the time police arrived at the residence, he was nowhere to be found. Officers kept watch throughout the night, but their search did not yield results.
His lawyer, Ndegwa Njiru, raised alarm over the situation, stating that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) had “taken hostage” of Gachagua’s homes in Karen and Nyeri. “They are currently man-hunting him. We are yet to be informed of the reasons,” Njiru wrote on social media Sunday night.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, speaking in Nandi County on Sunday, issued a stern warning against political leaders engaging in what he termed “reckless, tribal-driven” rhetoric. “We will put you in jail, and there’s nothing you’ll do about it,” Murkomen said, emphasizing the need for peace and national unity.
Gachagua has in recent weeks intensified criticism of President William Ruto’s administration and recently launched his Democratic Consciousness Party (DCP). During the launch in Murang’a, chaos erupted, prompting concern from authorities. Sources indicate that both Gachagua and his security personnel may be questioned over the incident.
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka condemned the attempted arrest, accusing the government of using intimidation tactics against the opposition. “If you want to arrest Deputy President Gachagua, do it the right way; follow the law,” Kalonzo said. “Abductions are primitive and cowardly.”
As of Monday morning, Gachagua had not made any public statement regarding his whereabouts. The unfolding drama adds tension to the already heated political environment, as the country heads toward the 2027 general elections.
