Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has launched a scathing attack on government forces and unnamed leaders following the killing of five civilians and the displacement of several others in a land conflict in Ang’ata Barikoi, Laikipia County.
In a strongly worded statement released Monday night, Gachagua condemned what he described as the “brutal and unlawful use of force” by police officers during a land eviction operation that has left communities shattered and blood spilled.
“My heart goes out to the families of the five innocent people who have been shot dead and several who have been injured in Ang’ata Barikoi,” Gachagua said.
“This land over 6,000 acres rightfully belongs to the citizens who have occupied it for several decades.”
Gachagua accused a “section of leaders” of orchestrating the violence for personal gain, alleging that the land grab was driven by what he termed an “insatiable appetite for primitive accumulation.”
“What kind of insatiable appetite is this by a section of leaders for primitive accumulation of grabbed land and wealth can our nation sink into?” he posed.
“The sanctity and preciousness of human life, which is a gift from God, seems to have been thrown to the dogs by vicious autocrats.”
The former DP further linked the recent violence to broader concerns of state repression, recalling the brutal crackdown on youth-led Gen Z protests in 2023 that left several demonstrators dead.
“We have not forgotten that Kenyans haven’t wiped the tears of several young people brutally butchered after GenZ protests,” he said.
“Who gave shoot-to-kill orders and archaic brutality on women, children, and innocent civilians?”
Gachagua demanded answers on the deployment of elite security units, accusing the government of unleashing “unlawful, lethal, and bullish police force” on defenseless residents of Ang’ata Barikoi.
“Who deployed GSU and RDU officers to exercise unlawful, lethal, and bullish police force on innocent Kenyans in Ang’ata?” he asked.
“This forceful displacement of population is a crime against humanity, and whomever is culpable must face crimes against humanity.”
The outspoken former Deputy President said he is actively gathering evidence to hold those responsible to account.
“We will name and shame those responsible for this heinous act. Kenya cannot afford, as a nation, to live in dictatorship and brutality when the world is on a trajectory to prosperity and greatness of its citizens.”
His remarks come amid rising public anger and growing scrutiny over land injustices in northern Kenya, with human rights organizations calling for an independent investigation into the killings and evictions
