Gachagua Claims Assassination Plot After Police Intercept His Convoy in Kirinyaga

Rigathi Gachagua has accused the government of threatening his life after armed police intercepted his convoy in Sagana, Kirinyaga County, on Friday, forcing him to reroute to Kagio town. 

Several vehicles were damaged during the incident. The altercation escalated tensions in the area, with heavily armed police patrolling the streets as the former Deputy President addressed a large crowd of supporters. Gachagua claimed that officers fired teargas and live rounds at his convoy, alleging that the government was attempting to silence him. He vowed that such intimidation would not deter his campaign in the region.

At the rally, Gachagua took the opportunity to renew his criticism of President William Ruto, accusing him of mismanaging the economy and misleading Kenyans with promises of national transformation. “I will ensure that Ruto is a one-term President,” Gachagua declared, promising to rally opposition forces to challenge the current government in the 2027 elections.

The former Deputy President was joined by key political figures, including Democratic Change Party (DCP) deputy leader Cleophas Malala, Kirinyaga Senator Kamau Murango, and Nyandarua Senator John Methu, highlighting growing opposition support for Gachagua’s political stance.

In addition to his political criticism, Gachagua reignited controversy over the Grade 10 school placement system. He called for a national dialogue on the issue, which he argued was biased against students from the Mt Kenya region. Gachagua contended that children from Central Kenya should be given priority in the placement process, drawing a comparison to Northern Kenya, which has received substantial government funding but still lacks high-quality schools. 

He rejected accusations that his comments were driven by tribalism. The government quickly responded, with President Ruto condemning Gachagua’s remarks on the education system. Ruto accused his former deputy of creating division among the country’s schoolchildren. “Let our children learn,” Ruto said, stressing that all students should be treated equally regardless of their community.

Leaders from the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) defended the Grade 10 placement system, arguing that it was transparent and fair. They suggested that Gachagua’s statements risked inflaming ethnic tensions and undermining national unity.