Lawyer and political commentator Miguna Miguna has launched a scathing attack on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of being part of Kenya’s historical culture of impunity, corruption and human rights violations.
In a strongly worded social media post, Miguna questioned Gachagua’s political legacy, citing his alleged links to the administration of former President Daniel arap Moi, his subsequent work under retired President Uhuru Kenyatta and his tenure in the administration of President William Ruto.
Miguna alleged that Gachagua worked as a Special Branch informant at the University of Nairobi between 1985 and 1988, during Moi’s one-party rule, and claimed that his actions contributed to the arrest, detention, torture and expulsion of student leaders who opposed the government.
He further alleged that Gachagua later served as a personal assistant to Professor Philip Mbithi, who was then the University of Nairobi vice-chancellor, before becoming a District Officer under the Moi administration.
The lawyer accused Gachagua of being associated with government operations that allegedly subjected civilians to arbitrary arrests and torture, including at Nyayo House and Nyati House.
Miguna also criticised Gachagua’s subsequent political career under Uhuru Kenyatta, alleging that he failed to challenge human rights abuses and corruption during that period.
“Mr. Geoffrey Rigathi Gachagua and ALL his associates are not just as dirty, corrupt and involved in Kenya’s intractable problems, they are the EMBODIMENTS of the CULTURE OF IMPUNITY,” Miguna wrote.
He also accused Gachagua of benefiting from alleged corruption during his time in government, although he did not provide supporting evidence for the specific allegations in the post.
Miguna extended his criticism to Gachagua’s tenure as Deputy President between 2022 and 2024, alleging that he was involved in the corruption and tribalism he associated with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
The lawyer further questioned the support Gachagua has received from some political leaders following his fallout with President Ruto, arguing that his past should not be overlooked in the pursuit of political change.
“Today, there are those who meekly and shamelessly make the pilgrimage to Gachagua’s Shrine at Wamunyoro, while pretending to represent a ‘new dawn,’” he said.
Miguna called for accountability across Kenya’s political establishment, naming Gachagua, Ruto, Uhuru Kenyatta and former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i among those he believes should face legal consequences.
“To transform Kenya, Gachagua, Ruto, Uhuru, Matiang’i and all the organized bandits should be in jail with Waititu,” he stated.
He concluded by warning against what he described as selective memory, duplicity and dishonesty in political discourse, insisting that allegations of wrongdoing should be scrutinised regardless of the political figures involved.
The post adds to the wider debate over political accountability and the historical conduct of leaders who have held senior positions in successive Kenyan administrations.
