Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has made explosive allegations against President William Ruto’s administration, claiming that a secret police “killer squad” was formed under the president’s directive and is responsible for the deaths of hundreds of Kenyans — including that of teacher Albert Ojwang’.
Speaking during a church service in Kirinyaga County, Gachagua said the alleged squad, made up of 101 highly trained officers, was formed on President Ruto’s orders and seconded to the National Intelligence Service (NIS), headed by Noordin Haji.
“This issue (Ojwang’s death) is just a tip of the iceberg. Hundreds of young people have been tortured to death by a special squad… trained on abductions, torture, killings, and cover-ups,” Gachagua claimed.
He linked the controversial death of Ojwang’ to this covert group, asserting that the government has been engaged in systematic extrajudicial killings that are expertly covered up.
Gachagua went further to accuse President Ruto directly, stating that he should be held accountable for the killings.
“William Ruto cannot run away from these deaths. He is responsible, and Kenyans will punish him for that,” said the former deputy president, calling for international intervention and justice.
The death of Ojwang’ — a teacher and social media activist — has stirred national outrage. He was arrested on June 8 after a complaint by Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat, and died in police custody under mysterious circumstances.
Testimonies presented by DCI Director Mohamed Amin have raised questions about the official timeline. Under oath, Amin stated that Ojwang’ was found unconscious at 1:39 am and taken to Mbagathi Hospital, arriving around 2:00 am.
However, CCTV footage from the hospital shows a police vehicle arriving at 1:35 am, with Ojwang’s body remaining inside for 24 minutes before medics attended to him.
A hospital report confirmed that Ojwang’ was brought in dead, with visible injuries including a swollen face and a cut at the back of his head, and that his body was cold and unresponsive.
The inconsistencies and delays have fueled public suspicion of a police cover-up. Protests have since erupted nationwide, with demonstrators demanding the arrest of Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat, who is said to have initiated the complaint that led to Ojwang’s arrest.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) is currently investigating the case, and has already arrested Nairobi Central OCS Samson Talaam in connection with the incident.
