Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has strongly condemned the use of violence and extrajudicial tactics in politics, following an incident in Kimilili, Bungoma County, where part of his convoy was reportedly stoned by unidentified individuals wielding crude weapons.
The attack occurred on July 4, 2025, in the Chwele area during the final leg of the United Opposition’s Western Kenya tour, organized by the People’s Loyal Opposition Coalition. Gachagua, who now leads the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), had been in the region to rally support ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement shared on his official Facebook page, Gachagua praised the people of Kimilili for rejecting political violence and demanding accountable leadership.
“The people of Kimilili Constituency in Bungoma County have spoken loudly and clearly: violence and extrajudicial killings have no place in our society,” he stated.
“Governments that thrive on violence are short-lived and lack legitimacy. Leaders who resort to brutality and suppression undermine the very foundations of good governance and true democracy.”
The former deputy president emphasized that a progressive society must be built on peace, justice, and respect for human rights.
“We must call out such actions wherever they occur and stand firm against them,” he added. “Peace, justice, and respect for human rights are the pillars of a progressive society.”
During a public rally in Busia the previous day, Gachagua criticized what he termed as the historical marginalization of the Luhya community by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. He accused Odinga of repeatedly abandoning Western Kenya voters after political handshakes that prioritized his personal interests over regional development.
“The Luhya community has been mistreated and dumped repeatedly,” Gachagua told supporters. He also claimed that the Mt Kenya region had similarly been betrayed by President William Ruto.
“We from Mt Kenya have also been misused. Ruto promised us development but delivered betrayal.”
In a pointed reference to his former boss, Gachagua declared himself the political gatekeeper of Mt Kenya:
“I was the deputy of Ruto. Do you know him more than I do? I locked out Ruto from Mt Kenya, and the key is with me. I walk with it everywhere I go.”
The incident in Bungoma and Gachagua’s combative rhetoric highlight growing political tensions ahead of the 2027 election cycle. As opposition groups regroup and realign, the dynamics between former allies and new political blocs are likely to intensify.
Photos shared by Gachagua’s team showed minor damage to vehicles in the convoy, though no injuries were reported. Authorities have yet to issue a statement on the attack or confirm any arrests.
Meanwhile, the DCP leader’s remarks have sparked reactions across the political divide, with some lauding his stance against political violence, while others accused him of stoking ethnic divisions.
As the opposition’s Western tour concludes, Gachagua is expected to lead further campaigns in the Rift Valley and Coast regions in the coming weeks, focusing on grassroots mobilization and coalition-building ahead of the next electoral showdown.
