Gachagua, Kalonzo: We will not be cowed by State-sponsored violence

Former Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka have declared that the opposition will not be slowed down by intimidation by President William Ruto’s administration.

Addressing mourners at the burial of the late Reverend Joseph Nzola in Katelembo, Machakos County, the two leaders vowed that the opposition will hold together as they lead Kenyans in agitating for democracy and freedoms as enshrined in the Constitution.

They termed the recent incident where goons raided a church in Mwiki and disrupted worship proceedings as an attempt by the Ruto-led administration to deploy unconstitutional mechanisms in suppressing dissenting voices.

“The other day they sent criminals to harm us during a church service in Mwiki. That is an abomination to the church. No matter the motivation, it is wrong to send criminals to a church because even in the most difficult times, people rush to the church to seek refuge,” said Gachagua.

Gachagua urged churches not to relent in the quest for better governance, saying the clergy were the last line of defense when every other institution collapses.

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“Parliament has been captured and the opposition has been compromised. There is nobody remaining to speak for the people of Kenya unless the church does so. So the clergy have to step into that role because nature abhors vacuum,” said the former DP.

Gachagua alleged Kenya’s economy was dwindling as a result of leaders prioritizing commercial interests at the expense of public interest.

“A nation gets developed when the leader puts the national interest ahead of commercial interest. If you mix commercial interest in leading the country, we must get stuck somewhere,” he said.

Drawing reference to the controversial play, “Echoes of War” staged by students of Butere Girls High School, and which was met by fierce resistance by the government, Gachagua termed President Ruto as a leader who cannot accommodate divergent views and literary works.

“Even during the era of the late president Daniel Moi, he never took any action against the 'Ridiculous Series' staged by some of the country’s pioneers of comedy," Gachagia said.

"It was enjoyed because it was satire, a mirror of society. (Late President) Kibaki came and there were caricatures imitating his speech and he never raised a finger. This issue of harming children is surprising Kenyans,” he added.

His sentiments were echoed by Kalonzo, who challenged the government to stop intimidation directed at political leaders opposed to the Kenya Kwanza leadership.

“Just because we are not in the same line politically and perhaps economically, stop intimidating us. Gachagua has been intimidated. Being impeached does not mean you cannot go to church. What happened at PCEA Mwiki was an attempt to commit murder inside the church. When we call the country to order, that is not politics,” said Kalonzo.

Kalonzo said it was too early for the Kenya Kwanza government to get rattled by the activities of the opposition.

“We have not even announced anything. Men should be ready. Gachagua is a respected Kenyan and has his rights under the Constitution to be heard. Police should stop sponsoring goons or else we will call demonstrations over the same,” said Kalonzo.

DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa said the country’s development had stalled due to poor policies.

“Policy without science and research is gambling. When you bring policies that are not properly researched you are gambling with the lives of Kenyans,” said Wamalwa.

Machakos governor Wavinya Ndeti said the church should be granted its space and not be subjected to bizarre incidents as has been witnessed in recent times.

“As a country, we must stay focused and keep our eyes on the ball. No matter the noise and disruptions, we must do the right thing. The church should be given its space to play its role. It is unfortunate that there are some people who have been suffocating the church with bad things and this must stop,” said the County boss.

Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi said Kenya was lacking good leadership and expressed hope that Kalonzo and Gachagua would lead Kenyans into liberation come 2027.

“The secret to development is good leadership. That is what is lacking in our country. We will rally behind Kalonzo, Gachagua, Wamalwa and other like-minded leaders as they lead a revolution to save this country in the next general election,” said Mwangangi.