Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has raised fresh concerns over President William Ruto’s security following the recent incident in Kilifi, terming it a serious breach that exposes weaknesses within the country’s security apparatus.
Speaking during a press briefing after a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the DCP in Nairobi on Monday, the former Deputy President said despite his sharp political differences with President Ruto, he wants the Head of State protected and safe because he should only leave office through a democratic election.
Gachagua said the events witnessed in Kilifi, where the President reportedly faced a hostile crowd situation during a public engagement, should serve as a wake-up call to the government and security agencies charged with protecting the country’s top leadership.
“We want William Ruto safe and alive so that Kenyans can remove him through the ballot in 2027,” Gachagua said, while accusing the current administration of failing to properly manage presidential security.
The DCP leader argued that the incident was not isolated, claiming there had been several occasions in recent months where the President encountered security scares during public functions across the country. According to Gachagua, the repeated incidents point to deeper problems within the security structure under the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Gachagua Turns Fire on Interior CS Murkomen
In his remarks, Gachagua sharply criticized Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, blaming him for what he termed as poor coordination and weakening of the country’s security systems.
The former Deputy President accused the Interior CS of lacking the experience and seriousness required to manage the sensitive security docket, alleging that security officers attached to the presidency were frustrated and demoralized due to delayed allowances and poor working conditions.
He further claimed that some officers guarding the President had privately expressed dissatisfaction over how the security sector was being managed, warning that such frustrations could compromise effective protection of the Head of State.
Gachagua also accused President Ruto of allegedly sidelining experienced officers from other regions and concentrating key security positions among individuals from his own community, claims likely to trigger political debate within government circles.
The former Deputy President maintained that while the opposition was determined to send President Ruto home, it would only do so constitutionally and democratically through the 2027 General Election.
DCP Uses By-Election Momentum to Expand Political Influence
At the same time, Gachagua used the briefing to project confidence in the growth of the DCP following the recent Emurua Dikirr by-election in Narok County, where the party finished second.
He claimed the performance had energized the party and attracted growing interest from aspirants across several regions seeking to contest various seats under the DCP ticket ahead of the next General Election.
The party also announced leadership changes aimed at strengthening its national structure, including the appointment of new officials from Narok, Kakamega, Wajir and Nairobi counties.
Gachagua said the opposition outfit was steadily building a national movement capable of challenging President Ruto’s re-election bid, insisting that many Kenyans were frustrated by the current state of the economy and governance.
His latest remarks are expected to intensify political tensions between the former Deputy President and the Kenya Kwanza administration as the country slowly shifts focus toward the 2027 succession politics.
