Nairobi – A fresh petition at the Milimani Law Courts has thrown a spotlight on growing political tensions in Kenya, as former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua fights what his supporters say is a politically charged effort to bring him down.
Filed by activist George Mogire, the case seeks to block any attempts to arrest or prosecute Gachagua. His lawyer, Moses Mabeya, says such moves are “not based on any credible evidence” but are rather fuelled by political motives.
“The court must step in before things get out of hand,” Mabeya told reporters outside the courthouse. “This is about protecting fundamental freedoms, not just for Gachagua but for all Kenyans.”
The petition names the Inspector General of Police, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), and the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) as respondents. Mogire wants the High Court to issue an order stopping them from arresting or detaining Gachagua.
According to court filings, the activist believes the threat of arrest stems from remarks Gachagua made in a TV interview on 17 May. During a session in Parliament on 27 May, some lawmakers reportedly called for his prosecution over those comments.
Mogire insists Gachagua was exercising his right to free speech, as protected by Article 33 of Kenya’s Constitution.
“This is not about justice,” he said in his affidavit. “It is a well-orchestrated campaign to silence voices that question those in power.”
He also accuses key state bodies of acting under political pressure and straying from their constitutional duties.
“The respondents have abdicated their constitutional mandates and are being used as instruments of political retaliation,” the petition reads. He adds that the NCIC is “applying its discretion selectively and in a biased manner.”
Neither the police nor the NCIC had responded publicly to the petition by press time.
Gachagua, who served as Deputy President under President William Ruto until last year, has remained a vocal political figure since leaving office. His recent public remarks have sparked heated debate, especially within ruling party circles.
The case raises broader concerns about the independence of state institutions and the boundaries of political expression in Kenya.
As of now, the court is yet to set a date for the hearing. But this case could shape the country’s political temperature as Kenya edges closer to the 2027 general elections.
