Walk the talk: Gachagua accuses Ruto, Murkomen of allowing goonism after Nakuru convoy attack

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has harshly criticized President William Ruto and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, accusing them of failing to uphold their promise to curb political violence and the use of goons across Kenya. Gachagua expressed his disappointment in a post on X on August 14, 2026, noting that Ruto and Murkomen's assurances of no goons in Kenya were merely "another lie" and a display of "political posturing."

He alleged that the government still employs violence and hired groups to intimidate political opponents.

The accusations followed an attack on Gachagua's convoy in Kaptembwa, Nakuru Town West Constituency, during his political activities in Nakuru. According to Gachagua, "goons organized and paid by Susan Kihika and Samuel Arama attacked our convoy at Kaptembwa, in Nakuru Town West Constituency, with axes, rocks, and other crude weapons as police watched." However, residents intervened, successfully repelling the attackers and ensuring the safety of Gachagua's team and media personnel targeted in the incident.

Gachagua accused the Ruto administration of turning to violence to suppress political competition, stating that the government has lost public support and believes the only way to remain in power is through "the use of violence against opponents and the employment of goons." He warned that such tactics could harm Kenya's image among tourists, foreign nationals, investors, and international dignitaries.

Gachagua emphasized that "goonism is now a way of life" and called for Kenyans, tourists, and foreign dignitaries to accept this reality until the next general election in August 2027.

The opposition leader further stated that the upcoming election would provide Kenyans with a chance to remove Ruto from power. He assured his supporters in Njoro, Molo, and Rongai that they would provide protection to his team during planned public engagements in Nakuru.