On Friday, January 9, 2026, former Deputy President and leader of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) Rigathi Gachagua alleged that his life was under threat following a confrontation with police officers who attempted to block his convoy from entering parts of Kirinyaga County.
The incident occurred at Sagana, along the route to Kagio town in Ndia constituency, where Gachagua was scheduled to address a political rally organized by his party.
Armed police officers intercepted the motorcade, leading to chaos. Reports indicate that police deployed tear gas canisters and, according to Gachagua and his allies, fired live ammunition toward the convoy.
Several vehicles in the entourage sustained damage, including from vandalism, and communication equipment belonging to his media team was reportedly destroyed or confiscated.
One security personnel was said to have been injured, though no widespread casualties were confirmed.
Gachagua and his supporters were forced to retreat and take an alternative route through Kandongu to reach Kagio, where they were warmly received by thousands of supporters.
Despite heavy police presence in the town with officers reportedly patrolling in full gear, Gachagua proceeded with the rally, addressing the crowd while wearing protective gear, including a helmet and bulletproof vest.
Speaking at the gathering, Gachagua accused the authorities of deploying a “special squad” of officers in civilian clothes who commandeered police vehicles from nearby stations (Baricho and Wang’uru) to disrupt his activities.
He claimed these officers, allegedly under the command of a senior figure linked to a politician from Murang’a, worked alongside county askaris (security personnel) to mount roadblocks and launch the attack.
“They hurled teargas canisters and shot at us,” Gachagua told supporters, directly stating that his life was in danger.
He blamed the Kenya Kwanza government, led by President William Ruto, for the incident, asserting that the administration was “worried” because he was “telling Kenyans the truth.”
He vowed that no threats or intimidation would prevent him from touring every part of Kirinyaga County or continuing his political agenda.Gachagua reiterated his commitment to democratically removing President Ruto in the 2027 General Election, declaring: “I will ensure Ruto becomes a one-term president.”
He criticized Ruto for allegedly ruining the economy and mocked the President’s claim of transforming Kenya into a “Singapore,” calling it laughable.
The former Deputy President was accompanied by key DCP figures, including Deputy Leader Cleophas Malala, Kirinyaga Senator Kamau Murango, Nyandarua Senator John Methu, and other leaders.
This episode comes amid escalating political tensions between Gachagua who was impeached as Deputy President in 2024Â and the ruling coalition.
Gachagua has been actively campaigning against Ruto’s re-election, framing his efforts as a fight for truth and economic justice.
The incident also followed Gachagua’s earlier comments on the ongoing Grade 10 student placement process under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
Speaking to journalists in Nyeri on Thursday, January 8, 2026, he called for national dialogue on the selection criteria, alleging bias in admissions to top national schools.
He argued that students from the Mt. Kenya region (Central Kenya) deserve priority in well-equipped local institutions like Alliance and Mang’u High Schools, given regional investments, while criticizing other areas (including Northern Kenya) for receiving billions in equalization funds yet failing to build comparable facilities.
Gachagua defended his stance as a call for fairness and transparency, not tribalism, insisting that “all children in Kenya are equal” but local students should benefit from nearby high-quality schools without discrimination.
President Ruto had earlier condemned such remarks on January 8, 2026, accusing Gachagua of promoting divisive, ethnic-based politics in education and urging politicians to “let our children be” and keep schools free from partisan interference.
Opposition figures, including Eugene Wamalwa and Kalonzo Musyoka, condemned the use of force, describing it as an attack on constitutional rights to assembly and expression.
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