Gachagua condemns use of criminal justice system to ‘manage politics’

By Peter Ochieng

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has condemned what he termed as the use of the criminal justice system, 'to manage politics.'

The strategy, Gachagua said, is as outdated as it comes.

The Deputy President said upon assuming office in 2022, he, alongside President William Ruto, gave an undertaking to the people of Kenya that never again shall the criminal justice system be called upon to help in the management of politics.

“I am embarrassed that we are back to where we were. Harassment of my office staff and Members of Parliament perceived to be close to me, has been going on for the last two months,” the DP said in a social media post, on Thursday afternoon.

“I have learnt of a scheme to prefer trumped-up charges against three members of my staff and the MPs for Embakasi North Hon James Gakuya, and Embakasi Central Hon Benjamin Gathiru Mejja Donk. Referring to the scheme as evil, Gachagua stated that it seeks to associate them with violent demonstrations that took place in June and July, “in a futile attempt to soil my name and hopefully create grounds for the mooted impeachment proceedings against me.”

“Kenyans are very intelligent people. They know what factors made the people of Kenya take to the streets. Kenyans also know what the real problems in Kenya are. They surely know Rigathi Gachagua is not among them.”

He urged security agencies to remain professional, follow the rule of law and keep off politics. Gachagua’s online rant came a few hours after the National Police Service (NPS) linked MPs Gakuya and Mejja Donk – Deputy President’s allies, to financing anti-government protests in June and July.

The climax of the protests was breaching the National Assembly, and torching part of Parliament buildings on June 25, 2024.

NPS said probable charges the two legislatures include soliciting or inciting others to commit offence contrary to section 391 of the penal code, conspiracy to commit a felony contrary to section 393 of the penal code and money laundering contrary to section 3,4 and 7 of the proceeds of crime and anti-money laundering Act.