By Eddah Waithaka
The civil society group Bunge La Mwananchi has escalated its demands, giving the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) a three-day ultimatum to arrest former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over his “reckless” remarks on Kenya’s alleged role in Sudan’s conflict—or face nationwide hunger demonstrations.
Why Gachagua Faces Arrest Demand
In a press statement, Lawrence Oyugi, National Chairman of Bunge La Mwananchi, accused Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of spreading false claims that Kenya, under President William Ruto, facilitates illicit gold and arms trade in Sudan, which he argued is worsening the crisis; undermining Kenya’s diplomatic ties with Sudan; damaging the country’s international reputation; and violating his oath of secrecy as a former state officer by making unverified, inflammatory statements.
Bunge La Mwananchi demands that Gachagua surrender to authorities within 72 hours and calls for the revocation of his Certificate of Good Conduct as a provisional measure while legal actions are pending.
Additionally, they insist that the National Security Committee in Parliament summon him for a probe regarding his breach of oath.
Arrest Him or We Protest – Ultimatum Issued
The group warned that if the DCI fails to act within three days, they will mobilize mass hunger demonstrations across Kenya until Gachagua is arrested.
“We will not allow reckless statements to jeopardize Kenya’s peace and foreign relations. If the DCI does not arrest him, Kenyans will take to the streets in protest,” Oyugi declared.
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Legal & Diplomatic Fallout
The petition asserts that the defamation laws outlined in Section 194 of the Penal Code have been violated by statements harming President Ruto’s reputation, while also citing Section 66 of the Penal Code for inciting public unrest through unverified claims.
Furthermore, it highlights violations of international law, specifically the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the African Charter on Human Rights, due to false accusations that pose a risk of igniting conflict.
Government and Public Reaction
Pro-Ruto supporters back the move, labeling Gachagua’s remarks as “treasonous,” while his allies dismiss the allegations as a “political witch-hunt,” calling for due process.
Meanwhile, legal experts engage in heated debates over whether his statements cross the line into criminal liability. As the situation unfolds, questions loom large: Will the DCI arrest Gachagua within 72 hours? Will mass protests erupt if no action is taken? Can Gachagua provide evidence to support his claims? The clock is ticking, and Kenya watches closely as this high-stakes standoff continues to develop.
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