Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Inset: Gachagua's damaged personal car and (right) the scene of the burial ceremony in Limuru that was was rocked with chaos.
Impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is not a good man. He was a bully who delighted in harassing and intimidating political foes. He did not hesitate to unleash thugs on anyone who stood in his way.
His notoriety went back to his days at the University of Nairobi, where he was one of those disreputable characters who made themselves available for hire by the dictatorial regime to snitch on fellow students, and establish tribal organisations to counter the established student leadership.
There was also his early working life as one of those “special” district officers, who were more of spies and political operatives than government administrators.
The murky history and insalubrious mien, however, does not make him any less Kenyan, or a legitimate target for harassment and violence.
Unless proved otherwise, we can only read a government hand in the attack on Mr Gachagua at a funeral in Limuru last week. The government either recruited, paid and ferried the large groups of thugs who caused havoc at the home of an innocent, grieving family; or chose to look the other way as criminal elements within the political establishment did so.
Terrorising citizens
The attack was absolutely criminal, and serves President William Ruto no good in as far as it exposes the extremes to which a regime inclined to terrorising citizens will go.
We have warned many times on the dangers of a return to dictatorship and the police state. It is only a government seemingly afraid of its own shadow that will employ the State security machinery and hired thugs to wage war on political opponents, or on any individuals and groups that call it to account.
What is most distressing is that some who should be defending the right of every Kenyan to be protected by the law and the constitution, are celebrating Mr Gachagua’s travails.
Opposition leader Raila Odinga is completely out of order when he justifies the assault on the basis that the former Deputy President was himself a bully. As a graduate of former President Daniel Moi’s infamous torture chambers and detention dungeons, Mr Odinga should be the last person to celebrate a return to those dark days.
What we must all realise is that this is not just about Mr Gachagua, but about the right of every Kenyan to hold contrary political views. Our Bill of Rights, one of the most extensive in the world, guarantees freedom of expression, communication and association.
Not a crime
It is not a crime to imagine, encompass or device deposition of the President through lawful means. Mr Gachagua therefore has the constitutional right to plot the removal of President Ruto at the next elections, and of course work towards that end by organising and putting together the necessary political networks and alliances.
These are the very same rights that Mr Odinga has enjoyed through numerous presidential election bids dating back to 1997, and will again be available if he throws his hat into the ring in 2027 or sponsors a candidate.
The destruction caused by unknown persons during a funeral attended by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
These hard-won constitutional protections were attained though blood, sweat and tears. It is the duty of all of us, and not just elected leaders, to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution.
And that means defending Mr Gachagua when he is subjected to brutality by what is turning out to be a government of thugs, by thugs, for thugs.
We are all in danger
Let us all remember that when the rights of one Kenya, however disagreeable he may be, are trampled on, that is not the end. We are all in danger of being subjected to the very same sort of treatment.
***
Two years ago today, I lost the love of my life. A high school romance blossomed into a fulfilling partnership. We laughed, cried, fought, loved, raised six lovely children, delighted in the grandkids, and generally made a loud, happy, riotous home.
Without the firm hand, entrepreneurial drive, fighting spirit and hard work in a kind, gentle, sensitive soul, this home would not have been what it became.
They say time heals, but some wounds take longer to heal than others. Whether just taking a drive, out on some errands, traipsing through those familiar walking trails in the neighbourhood, or in the solitude of a lonely room late at night, there will be always triggers of some cherished memory, and the tears start flowing. Yes, I am no longer afraid to shed a tear in public.
The children and I, and the extended family of siblings, relatives, in-laws, friends, neighbours, all still miss you terribly. Forever in our hearts, dearest Christine.
[email protected]; @MachariaGaitho
