Ruthless President: Democracy at risk as critics say State is out to suppress dissenting views

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, addresses press on 19th May 2025 at home in Karen. Gachagua claims his life is in danger. This comes after police were stationed at his Wamunyoro home on Sunday, prompting Gachagua to go into hiding after learning of plans to arrest him.[Edward Kiplimo,Standard] Questions are now emerging over an alleged trend where Government critics are finding themselves on the edge, with a majority of them claiming to be unfairly targeted. This comes amid growing calls for political tolerance, even as the country's political temperatures rise well ahead of the next election cycle. Soon after the Supreme Court upheld his 2022 presidential victory, President William Ruto pledged to end the abuse of the criminal justice system as a tool for settling political scores. He reiterated similar remarks several times after his inauguration, affirming his administration's dedication to defending the criminal justice system. "I have given my commitment and that of the government to support the Criminal Justice System to ensure it's not weaponized for political reasons. Every Kenyan citizen is entitled to fair treatment by all public institutions," Ruto said in January 2023, just a few months into office. Today, leaders critical of the Kenya Kwanza regime are raising concerns over what they describe as intimidation for expressing dissenting views, claiming the democratic space is shrinking at an alarming rate. Political intolerance Meanwhile, President Ruto's allies have condemned what they term political intolerance and inciting remarks by some leaders, with particular focus on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. But in a swift rejoinder, Gachagua came out guns blazing, claiming he received intelligence during a church service in Gatanga on Sunday that President Ruto had ordered he be "dealt with once and for all." Speaking from his Karen home yesterday, Gachagua alleged that police and other state agencies had intervened after state-sponsored goons attempted to harm him on several occasions. He further claimed that a killer squad of 101 elite, heavily armed officers had been deployed to target him. "At about 2.30pm, we received further intel from the deployed patriotic officers who were not in agreement with the evil mission that they had clear instructions to plant arms and weapons in our convoy to provide evidence to arrest and get evidence to charge us with," he stated. Gachagua said they were forced to use alternative routes as directed by deployed security personnel-many of whom, he noted, are their supporters and personal friends. The former Deputy President claimed that President Ruto was enraged after he exposed him over a disputed five-acre parcel of public land in Ngong Forest. "We have credible information that Ruto has ordered my private security to be disarmed and their licenses revoked, leaving me vulnerable to attacks by hired goons," he alleged. Gachagua defended his recent remarks on post-election violence, saying they were misinterpreted. He clarified that his statement was a precautionary reflection based on Kenya's history of disputed elections in 1992, 1997 and 2007-not incitement. Inciters warned On Sunday, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen responded firmly, stating that no leader is above the law and personal political grievances should not be turned into national crises. "You're an individual and will be dealt with decisively. National security is not a game," said Murkomen. He added, "Impunity thrives when we ignore misconduct. Some people invaded a former president's farm. Last year, youths had a right to protest the Finance Bill, but goons were sent to burn Parliament. That failed-now the same person is predicting chaos in 2027 because he wasn't punished for past actions, like stealing goats or trying to burn Parliament. Now he wants to burn the entire country." The CS said the government will be decisive in dealing with inciters and planners of violence, warning politicians that they will be tracked down everywhere they go and will also not be allowed to have free space to operate on matters of violence. Head of Public Service Felix Koskei has reaffirmed the Government's unwavering stance against corruption, saying the country must be steered towards lawful and accountable governance. "We want to drive government in an acceptable way. The rule of law is supreme-we must follow it," said Koskei. He added that resistance from some quarters was expected, but the Government remains committed to change under President Ruto's leadership. Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has called for political tolerance among people of different political persuasions and respect for divergent opinions and convictions. More than ever, Kalonzo said the search for truth and justice for all must continue, noting that political thuggery being experienced in the country must come to an end. Amid reports of Gachagua's impending arrest, Kalonzo said intimidation of the opposition must end and urged the government to follow the law should case of arrest arise. "Mr Ruto, if you want to arrest Gachagua, do it the right way; follow the law. We are prepared to produce Gachagua before the DCI. Please stop abducting Kenyans and their leaders. Abductions are primitive and cowardly," Kalonzo said. Kalonzo called out Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) saying it should not allow itself to be weaponized against a section of leaders. "EACC should not be weaponized against leaders who are simply doing their job or choosing to stand firm in their principles like Trans Nzoia Governor Natembeya. We must protect our democratic space and allow institutions to function independently, free from political interference," he said in Machakos. The former Vice President called out what he describes as a growing trend where Governors are intimidated for not towing the line of those in power at the highest level. Yesterday, Natembeya received guests at his Kitale home, a different kind of visit, as the EACC raided his house accompanied by police, which caused altercation with the residents, who gathered in their numbers to protest their Governor's arrest. In recent months, Natembeya, who is a close ally of Gachagua, has been giving hard hitting statements on different issues affecting the country, the most recent being the leasing of Nzoia Sugar Company. He also found himself on the receiving end for his stand on issuance of national identity cards along border counties, where he stated that thorough vetting should be reinstated. Nzoia Sugar Company Last week, Natembeya led residents in what he termed as the 'journey to finding the truth' over ownership of Nzoia Sugar Company but his quest was disrupted by police who hurled tear gas canisters at the demonstrators. As Natembeya's residences and offices were searched yesterday, the EACC said it was in relation to alleged irregular procurement and fictitious payment of Sh1.4 billion by Trans Nzoia county government during financial years 2022/23 and 2024/25. But Saboti MP, Caleb Amisi read ulterior motives in the raid saying theatrics of using security officers to raid people's homes without an iota of evidence to what they are searching for is backward, draconian, archaic and demeaning to families and children. Democratic Action Party leader Eugene Wamalwa has criticised the government over the arrest of Natembeya, saying charges were filed even before lawyers were informed, yet details had already surfaced on social media. Due process Wamalwa, speaking on Sunday said, "The night of the long knives is upon the opposition as authoritarianism clouds gather on Kenya and East Africa. From Nairobi to Dar es Salaam to Kampala, the Opposition is facing unprecedented harassment!" Earlier, Wamalwa helped secure the release of MP Peter Salasya on Sh200,000 cash bail. Salasya was presented before the court following his arrest on Friday on Isiolo-Nanyuki highway and brought to Central police station. Upon his release, he strongly criticised the manner of his arrest, saying due process must be followed, especially when a public figure under protection is involved. He termed the incident unfortunate and warned Kenyans against allowing the country to become a police state. "They came on Friday and shot at our car - that could have turned tragic," he said. "DCI officers must be briefed and given valid reasons before arresting anyone."Salasya said he was treated like a criminal over unverified online claims. His sentiments echo those of Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi, who last month dismissed his arrest by the EACC as politically driven: "This isn't justice. It's a plot to derail a working administration," he said. Leaders are now calling for political tolerance and due process in all legal actions.

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