Kenya Government Vows to Disarm Gachagua’s Alleged Private Militia Amid Incitement Allegations

Kobujoi, Nandi County – May 25, 2025

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has issued a stern warning to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, declaring that the government will disarm any private militia associated with him to prioritize national safety. Speaking during a public engagement in Kobujoi, Nandi County, on Sunday, May 25, 2025, Murkomen emphasized that the security of Kenya supersedes the political ambitions of any individual. “Even those (Gachagua) with private militia will be disarmed since the safety of the nation is more important than the success of an individual and the political career of one person,” Murkomen stated, directly addressing speculations surrounding Gachagua’s security arrangements.

The remarks come amid heightened tensions following Gachagua’s controversial statements about potential violence in the 2027 General Election. During an interview on Obinna TV on May 16, 2025, Gachagua warned that electoral malpractice by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) could lead to unrest worse than the 2007–2008 post-election violence, which claimed over 1,200 lives and displaced thousands. He described the 2007 crisis as a “Christmas party” in comparison, prompting widespread condemnation from government officials who accused him of inciting violence and undermining national stability.

Murkomen, alongside Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, has been vocal in condemning Gachagua’s remarks. Speaking in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County, on May 17, 2025, Murkomen labeled the former deputy president’s statements as “reckless” and “dangerous,” asserting they could disqualify him from holding public office. “I am disappointed that a leader who once held a senior office in this country is telling Kenyans that the 2027 elections will be more violent than 2007–2008. That kind of statement alone is enough to bar that person from holding any public office—forget impeachment and the rest,” he said.

Kindiki echoed these sentiments, dismissing Gachagua’s warnings as “irresponsible and unpatriotic” during a speech in Teso North, Busia County, on May 18, 2025. He vowed that the government would ensure free, fair, and peaceful elections, stating, “Kenya will never return to political violence. Not in 2027, not at any other time in the future.” Kindiki likened those inciting violence to bandits and terrorists, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy for divisive rhetoric.

The government’s focus on Gachagua intensified after reports surfaced on X alleging that he employed 300 ex-soldiers and ex-police officers for his personal security following the withdrawal of his official detail. These claims, though unverified, have fueled speculations of a “private militia,” prompting Murkomen’s pledge to disarm any unauthorized armed groups. On May 19, 2025, posts on X suggested that Murkomen ordered the disarming of Gachagua’s security personnel, after which Gachagua reportedly relied on civilian firearm holders for protection.

Gachagua has denied inciting violence, clarifying that his remarks were a caution against electoral rigging based on historical precedents like the 2007–2008 violence. Speaking at a church service in Gatanga, Murang’a County, on May 18, 2025, he stated, “I never said there would be unrest. All I said is I listened to Kenyans, and they are saying the President and IEBC should not rig elections.” He accused the government of misrepresenting his comments to portray him as a threat and claimed to be a target of orchestrated violence since his impeachment in October 2024.

The former deputy president further alleged that the government was plotting to eliminate or incapacitate him, citing incidents such as police raids on his homes in Nyeri and Nairobi on May 19, 2025, and an assassination attempt in Limuru on November 28, 2024. His lawyer, Ndegwa Njiru, confirmed the raids, stating that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) had taken control of Gachagua’s residences without explanation. Gachagua challenged the government to arrest him openly if he had committed a crime, dismissing covert operations as “primitive and cowardly.”

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has also taken action, summoning Gachagua over his “Christmas party” remark, which it deemed “appalling and dangerously insensitive.” NCIC Chairperson Samuel Kobia stated that the commission is collaborating with other agencies to hold Gachagua accountable, warning that such rhetoric disrespects victims and re-traumatizes survivors of the 2007–2008 violence.

Supporters of Gachagua, including Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara and Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu, have defended him, arguing that his comments were a warning against electoral manipulation rather than incitement. Kihara criticized Murkomen for distorting Gachagua’s message, stating, “What Gachagua stated clearly was that if the 2027 elections are manipulated, then Kenya will not remain as it is, and this warning is specifically aimed at Minister Murkomen.”

As political tensions rise ahead of the 2027 elections, Murkomen reiterated the government’s commitment to peace and stability. “We will do everything under the sun to ensure that for the period we serve, we keep this country safe,” he declared, urging security agencies to act decisively against those inciting violence or promoting ethnic division.

The government’s crackdown signals a broader effort to curb inflammatory political speech, with Gachagua at the center of the controversy. As the situation unfolds, Kenyans await further developments, with calls for dialogue and accountability growing louder to prevent a repeat of past electoral violence.