Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has condemned the arrest of Mukurweini MP John Kaguchia, describing it as a misuse of the criminal justice system to target political opponents.
In a statement issued on Monday, August 3, the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader accused the government of selectively applying the law to settle political scores, arguing that such actions were both cowardly and counterproductive.
Gachagua maintained that Kaguchia’s arrest would instead strengthen his political standing and rally support behind him.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Photo: Courtesy.
He also disclosed that a team of lawyers had been assigned to represent the legislator and secure his release on bond ahead of his court appearance.
The former DP further criticised President William Ruto, drawing parallels with the period before the 2022 General Election when Ruto, then Deputy President, accused the administration of former President Uhuru Kenyatta of using state agencies to intimidate politicians allied to him.
According to Gachagua, the alleged persecution of Ruto’s allies at the time only boosted their popularity and strengthened Ruto’s presidential campaign.
He argued that the current administration was repeating the same approach despite previously condemning it.
He also questioned whether occupying State House changes leaders’ approach to governance, claiming successive administrations have turned against their critics after assuming power.
Meanwhile, Kaguchia was arrested by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) after spending the night at the Royal Media Services offices.
He was later taken to the DCI headquarters for questioning.
Before his arrest, the MP alleged that his legal team, led by Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo and Gatanga MP Edward Muriu, had been denied access to him during the process.
