Who is persecuting Rigathi Gachagua?

In Kenya's current political landscape, former Vice President Rigathi Gachagua faces several actors and challenges that could impact his political career and ambitions. Gachagua is on the front lines of his fight against his removal from office in October 2024. On January 30, 2026, the Supreme Court rejected Gachagua's request to halt the ongoing High Court proceedings. The court is still examining whether the appointment of the panel of judges that upheld his removal was lawful. Then there is Chapter 6 of the Constitution. A critical obstacle is the issue of integrity. Should his removal ultimately stand, it could bar his candidacy for the 2027 presidential election under the leadership integrity provisions. Gachagua accuses his former ally of orchestrating his political downfall. He has publicly called on Ruto to serve only one term and is positioning himself as a direct challenger for 2027 with his new party, the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP). Within the governing coalition and parliament, there are efforts to weaken his influence in the Mount Kenya region. Leading politicians like Kimani Ichung’wah are often named as adversaries in this power struggle. And then there is the physical threat. An incident involving violence during a church service in Othaya, Nyeri, has raised questions about who is persecuting the DCP leader. Several figures have condemned the violence. Gachagua stated that police used tear gas in the church and set his car on fire. Sources close to the government dismissed this as "staged." And then there is the physical threat. The church service at the Anglican church in Witima, Othaya County, was interrupted on Sunday after Gachagua was attacked with gunfire and tear gas. Church property and vehicles were damaged, causing confusion among worshippers, especially women, children, and the elderly. The violence that has plagued Gachagua's events for some time has now reached a peak. Many are questioning his motives and whether respect for places of worship is a thing of the past for him. Since his removal as vice president in October 2024, Gachagua has repeatedly faced violence at his events. This raises questions about who is persecuting him and what their political motives are. On February 28, 2024, he was attacked at a funeral in Limuru by suspected members of the Mungiki gang, and his vehicles were damaged. The situation was repeated in December 2024 when he was tear-gasped at a political rally in Shameta, Nyandarua County. The incidents continued in February 2025 when Gachagua's wife, Dorcas, had to flee during a church service in the Nyeri district after youths appeared and caused chaos. Further incidents occurred in February 2025 when he was attacked at a service at the PCEA church in Mwiki, Nairobi, and again in July 2025 at a service at the AIPCA church in Kigumo, Murang'a. But that wasn't all: He was once again tear-gassed at another event.

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