Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s recent claims linking the National Intelligence Service (NIS) to two alleged assassination attempts have sent shockwaves through the country.
Speaking from Karen Hospital, Gachagua detailed an elaborate plot to poison him, pointing fingers at Kenya’s spy agency and indirectly at President William Ruto’s administration.
These accusations come at a critical time, with Gachagua fighting for his political survival amid an impeachment motion finalized just days after the supposed attempts on his life.
Gachagua’s assertions are nothing short of alarming. He paints a picture of a state apparatus willing to eliminate its own second-in-command through covert and sinister means, allegedly resorting to poisoning on two occasions—first in Kisumu on August 30 and later in Nyeri on September 30.
His description of undercover agents bugging his hotel room and tampering with his food is the stuff of spy thrillers, yet here it is, presented as fact by one of the country’s top leaders.
The gravity of these claims cannot be overstated. If true, they indicate a breakdown of trust within the highest levels of government and a chilling misuse of state security agencies.
Gachagua’s narrative of fearing for his life, dismissing his security detail, and seeing NIS officers “hovering” around his hospital room paints a bleak picture of paranoia and betrayal at the heart of Kenya’s leadership.
His plea to President Ruto, “Leave me and my children alone,” strikes a deeply personal note, highlighting the emotional toll this saga is taking on him and his family.
However, Gachagua’s accusations also raise important questions. If there is any truth to his claims, where is the evidence? Why has no formal investigation been launched into these supposed assassination attempts?
The absence of tangible proof or official inquiry into such a serious matter leaves room for speculation.
It is difficult to ascertain whether these claims are born out of genuine fear or are part of a calculated political strategy as Gachagua navigates the treacherous waters of his impeachment.
Could this be an attempt to rally public sympathy and shore up support as his position weakens?
Moreover, his comparison to the late Kenneth Matiba, a revered figure in Kenya’s fight for multi-party democracy, evokes memories of political persecution under the Moi regime.
Matiba’s suffering became a symbol of state oppression, and Gachagua’s suggestion that President Ruto is taking him down the same path is a powerful narrative.
Whether this is a genuine concern or a rhetorical tool to frame himself as a martyr in a political struggle remains to be seen.
The fact that Gachagua’s impeachment coincides with these alleged assassination attempts adds another layer of intrigue. Gachagua claims that after failing to eliminate him through poisoning, his opponents resorted to political means to oust him from power.
This raises the question of whether there is a deeper conspiracy at play—whether his political downfall has been orchestrated from within, and if so, by whom.
Yet, it is also possible that Gachagua’s claims are part of a broader tactic to fight back against his impeachment.
By positioning himself as the victim of a powerful, malevolent force, he could be seeking to galvanize public and political support. It wouldn’t be the first time a politician has employed such tactics to salvage a precarious political career.
The implications of these accusations are profound, not just for Gachagua, but for the integrity of Kenya’s political system. If there is any truth to his allegations, it suggests a frightening level of internal strife and a willingness to use lethal methods in the corridors of power. If, however, these claims are unsubstantiated, it casts doubt on Gachagua’s leadership and raises concerns about the stability of Kenya’s political environment moving forward.
In either case, this unfolding drama between Gachagua and Ruto—two men who were once political allies—signals deeper divisions within the government.
It also underscores the need for transparency and accountability in how political disputes are handled. As Kenyans, we deserve to know whether our leaders are being targeted for assassination or if these claims are part of a grand political theater.
Whatever the truth may be, one thing is clear: Gachagua’s battle for political survival is far from over, and the fallout from these shocking claims will have long-lasting consequences for Kenya’s political landscape.
