Kibwezi West Member of Parliament (MP) Mwengi Mutuse, who recently spearheaded a motion in Parliament to impeach Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, has now made explosive claims linking Gachagua to the recent wave of abductions across the country.
In a statement issued on Monday, December 30, Mutuse alleged that he had received credible information implicating Gachagua in a conspiracy involving individuals within President William Ruto’s administration and former government officials. The alleged scheme aims to destabilize the country through orchestrated activities, including abductions.
“I have received credible information regarding Hon. Rigathi Gachagua, suggesting that he, through some of his close political associates, may be collaborating with sympathetic individuals within the government and former officials to orchestrate activities designed to incite public unrest and create dissent against the current administration. Alarmingly, these activities reportedly include involvement in recent abductions,” Mutuse claimed.
The MP further challenged Gachagua to clarify his position regarding these allegations. “If he is indeed complicit, the police must act decisively to ensure that he and his associates face justice. No one is above the law,” he stated, emphasizing the need for accountability and justice for the victims.
Mutuse condemned the exploitation of innocent lives for political gain, calling it “morally wrong and utterly irresponsible.”
Gachagua has yet to respond to these allegations. However, on December 27, the Deputy President addressed the ongoing outrage surrounding December’s abductions. Speaking from his Mathira home in Nyeri County, Gachagua demanded the resignation of National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director-General Noordin Haji, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, and Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Mohamed Amin. He accused them of failing to address the abductions, alleging their complicity by inaction and urging President Ruto to take full responsibility.
“To remain silent or inactive is to suggest that these actions are being carried out with his [Ruto’s] knowledge and consent,” Gachagua stated.
President Ruto, breaking his silence on the issue, vowed to bring the wave of abductions to an end “by any means necessary.”
Rising Outrage and Nationwide Protests
The surge in abductions, with over 10 reported in December alone and more than 80 throughout the year, has sparked nationwide protests. Among those allegedly abducted this month are Steve Mbisi (Machakos), Billy Mwangi (Embu), Peter Muteti (Nairobi), Bernard Kavuli (Nairobi), Gideon Kibet alias Kibet Bull (Nairobi), and Rony Kiplang’at (Kiambu).
Protesters argue that the demonstrations aim to pressure the government to release those who have gone missing, end arbitrary arrests, and address Generation Z’s demands initially raised in June. Human rights groups, victims’ families, and youth activists have rallied Kenyans to join the demonstrations.
Monday’s protests saw notable figures, including Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah, join the call for justice. Omtatah was arrested during the demonstrations, initially detained at Central Police Station in Nairobi before reportedly being transferred to Gigiri.
The government’s denial of involvement has done little to quell public anger. The protests underscore growing frustration with what many perceive as a failure to protect citizens from state-linked abductions.
As the nation grapples with this crisis, the call for transparency and accountability continues to grow. The unfolding developments will undoubtedly shape Kenya’s political and social landscape in the months to come.
