A senior Kanu official from Kiambu has criticised Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua for his conspicuous use of a helmet and bulletproof vest at recent political rallies, casting doubt on the former Deputy President’s motives.
John Karanja Sakina, the Kanu secretary for Kiambu, challenged Gachagua’s decision to shield himself physically, “yet church attendees are suffering” during alleged attacks.
Gachagua has adopted the protective gear following a series of violent incidents targeting his events.
He was seen wearing a black military-style helmet and vest at a Narok campaign rally, stating police insiders had warned him of potential stoning and gunfire.
Last month, he addressed supporters in Kagio, Kirinyaga County, from his vehicle while wearing the gear, following a reported teargassing of his convoy in Sagana earlier that day.
Sakina, however, is unimpressed. In a telephone interview, he argued that opposition stalwarts like Raila Odinga and the late Kenneth Matiba never resorted to such measures.
“Using a mask and bulletproof vest could point to prior knowledge of an attack…the message we are getting is that ‘apigwe lakini asipate maathara’ (let him be attacked but not get hurt),” Sakina said.
He invoked historical figures, noting how Cuba’s Fidel Castro would stand in the rain with crowds and former President Mwai Kibaki once dismissed a driver who tried to usher him to a car during a downpour.
“The question we are asking is; Has he bought the masks for his team players? Or does he want to expose them?” Sakina asked, also drawing a biblical parallel to David rejecting Saul’s heavy armour before facing Goliath.
The DCP leader’s events have had clashes. Most recently, on January 25, armed men allegedly attacked the ACK Watima Church in Othaya, Nyeri County, where Gachagua was present.
Police lobbed tear gas into the church compound, and an entourage vehicle was set ablaze.
Gachagua termed it an assassination attempt. This followed clashes between rival groups ahead of his rally in Nyeri town on January 8.
Earlier, in November 2025, goons disrupted a church service he was attending in Kariobangi, an incident he blamed on government-allied leaders.
Beyond physical confrontations, Gachagua has also made claims of attempted poisoning by state operatives in August and September of 2024.
The Kanu official extended his critique to Gachagua’s political strategy. He advised the ex-DP to stop campaigning with his wife, Dorcas, noting that neither former President Uhuru Kenyatta nor Raila Odinga routinely brought their spouses to rallies.
“Campaigns with a wife will cause him trouble,” Sakina argued. He further urged Gachagua to attend national holiday ceremonies despite being in opposition, warning that absence “comes out as malicious.”
“Much as he may be still enraged by his impeachment, he should attend national holidays.
He comes out as malicious if he doesn’t attend state functions,” the politician argued.
Sakina also cautioned the DCP leader to moderate his attacks on the Jubilee Party, saying the persistent “red wheelbarrow” criticism could cost him support among Members of Parliament.
by MOSES OGADA
