How Secret Police Squad Targeted Gachagua’s Guards in Covert Operation

A covert police operation targeting the security detail of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has exposed escalating tensions between Kenya’s government and the recently ousted politician, according to multiple sources familiar with the situation.

Elite officers drawn from the National Intelligence Service (NIS) and Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) operations unit conducted simultaneous raids on Gachagua’s properties in Wamunyoro, Mathira and Karen, Nairobi on Sunday night.

The primary objective was recovering weapons allegedly displayed by Gachagua’s security personnel during a confrontation at his party launch last Thursday.

“These weren’t standard police operations,” said a high-ranking security official who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the operations while speaking to a local daily.

“The team specifically targeted weapons believed to be improperly held by individuals in Gachagua’s inner circle.”

Failed operation

Rigathi Gachagua.

The operation ultimately failed when officers discovered that neither Gachagua nor his key security personnel were present at either location.

Sources indicate the former Deputy President had received advance warning about the planned raids.

Speaking on Monday, Gachagua confirmed he had been tipped off about what he described as “a killer squad of 101” comprising officers from multiple agencies including the NIS, DCI, General Service Unit (GSU), and Administration Police.

“We received credible information from some officers who were opposed to this operation and we had to change route,” Gachagua told reporters. He claimed the squad was “armed to the teeth and hooded” despite regulations requiring officers to be in uniform.

Secret police unit

The elite unit involved in Sunday’s operation was reportedly formed during the anti-finance bill protests of June 2024.

Led by a former DCI operative now working with the NIS, the squad includes selected individuals from the DCI Operation Action team and IT specialists who monitor social media accounts of government critics.

When contacted about the operation, National Police Service spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga stated: “We have no information on any such police operation.”

Deeper tensions

Sunday’s events point to deepening antagonism between the government and Gachagua following his removal from office.

The former Deputy President has alleged a broader conspiracy against him, claiming authorities plan to withdraw gun licenses from his private security guards to compromise his safety.

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka publicized the raids on social media Sunday night, writing: “We are ready to produce DP Gachagua before the DCI–Kenya. Please stop abducting Kenyans and their leaders. Abductions are primitive.”

The confrontation that reportedly prompted the weapons recovery operation occurred last Thursday when Gachagua’s security detail clashed with alleged “goons” attempting to disrupt the launch of his new political party in Nairobi.

Political analysts view this escalation as evidence of growing government concern about Gachagua’s influence ahead of the 2027 elections.

Government officials, including the current Deputy President Kindiki and Cabinet Secretary Murkomen, have publicly threatened to arrest Gachagua, accusing him of “fanning violence.”

The raids also come amid tragic circumstances, as reports indicate a Catholic priest who recently hosted Gachagua was found murdered on the Nakuru-Nairobi highway.

As tensions rise, human rights organizations have expressed concern about the alleged special police unit, particularly its reported tactics of monitoring and targeting government critics.

For now, Gachagua remains free but vigilant. “They were mobilized and cordoned off all exits,” he said of Sunday’s operation, suggesting this may not be the last attempt to neutralize his growing opposition movement.