By Florence Omolloh
Former Deputy President (DP) Rigathi Gachagua has revealed a plot to kill him, stating that President William Ruto should be held responsible if anything happens to him.
Addressing the press in Karen on Monday, resurfacing after a ‘hide and seek game’ with police officers who were reportedly after him since Sunday, Gachagua claimed that over 100 officers had been dispatched to deal with him ‘once and for all.’
He said he received intelligence reports, while attending a church service in Murang’a county on Sunday.
The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader stated that since initial plans by the goons to deal with him had failed, the State had sanctioned police officers – more so from the administration police unit to ‘tackle him.’
The plot, he said, involved planting explosives in his motorcade as a precursor to his arrest.
"We received further intelligence 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 us and get evidence that they could charge us with in court,” stated the former second in command.
On why he is unwilling to report to any police station, Gachagua said he cannot ‘just jump into the mouth of a crocodile,' adding that patriotic Kenyans who are licensed firearm holders had decided to protect him, after the government drastically scaled down his security.
Meanwhile, Gachagua has faced a backlash from some religious and youth leaders in Kisumu for allegedly promoting divisive politics.
Speaking after a service at St. Mary’s Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) in Nyalenda on Sunday, Cedrick Otieno, United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Kisumu youth leader said this is not the time for political posturing, adding that every leader has a duty to maintain peace.
“The former DP should not behave as if Kenya is divided,” said Otieno.
“His actions risk taking the country backward. He should stay away from inciting the youth. Instead, let him focus on building a meaningful and inclusive agenda,” he added.
On his part, Shem Odhiambo, Bishop at St. Mary’s ACK Nyalenda praised the collaboration between President William Ruto and ODM party leader Raila Odinga, commending their efforts towards promoting peace and stability in the country.