Gachagua Says His Life Is at Risk After Government Withdraws Security

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has claimed that his personal safety is under threat following the withdrawal of his state-provided security, a move he says reflects a deepening political rift between him and President William Ruto’s administration.

Speaking during a television interview on Monday, January 12, 2026, Gachagua said he was left exposed after the government recalled officers assigned to protect him, despite his long service in public office and his continued influence in national politics.

The former deputy president described the decision as reckless, arguing that leaders of his stature remain legitimate security concerns even after leaving office.

“I want to tell Kenyans that Rigathi Gachagua is not safe,” he said.

“The government has withdrawn my security. Despite my removal from office, millions of Kenyans still support me. I am a senior national leader whose role in shaping the next presidential election cannot be ignored, and that alone warrants protection.”

Gachagua, who now leads the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), framed the withdrawal as part of what he termed a deliberate political strategy to intimidate and weaken him as he consolidates support, particularly in the Mt Kenya region.

He accused President Ruto of turning hostile after allegedly losing political ground in the region, claiming that the deteriorating relationship between the two former allies has now moved beyond politics into personal risk.

“William Ruto has declared political war on me because he has lost the mountain. He is bitter, and the bitterness is now being expressed through intimidation and withdrawal of security,” Gachagua alleged.

The former deputy president did not disclose when exactly the security detail was withdrawn, nor whether he had formally engaged the Interior Ministry or the National Police Service to seek clarification. However, he insisted that the decision was politically motivated rather than procedural.

His remarks came barely a day after chaotic scenes were reported at a church service in Kiambu County, where teargas was allegedly deployed near worshippers during a service he attended.

Gachagua blamed the incident on state security agencies, accusing the government of deliberately targeting him and his supporters.

Speaking at AIPCA Kiamuoria Church in Gatundu North on Sunday, January 11, Gachagua addressed congregants in both Kikuyu and Swahili, apologising to women and children who were affected by the teargas.

“Msijali, poleni sana watoto na kina mama wale wameguzwa na teargas,” he said.

“This has become a habit of William Ruto — attacking people even in churches.”

The incident has further fuelled claims by Gachagua that the government is using security agencies to suppress dissent and intimidate political opponents, accusations that have become a recurring feature of his public engagements since his fallout with the president.

Gachagua and Ruto’s political relationship has steadily deteriorated since late 2025, following a dramatic power struggle that culminated in Gachagua’s removal from office.

Once viewed as a key pillar of Ruto’s 2022 electoral victory, Gachagua has since repositioned himself as a vocal critic of the administration, accusing it of betrayal and exclusion of the Mt Kenya region.

Since launching the DCP, the former deputy president has intensified his political activities across Central Kenya, openly challenging Ruto’s influence in what has traditionally been a critical voting bloc.