Since time immemorial, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has faced accusations of involvement in the infamous Molo clashes, where numerous lives were lost, primarily from the Gikuyu community. These accusations stem from his role as the District Officer in Molo during that period, with critics often labeling him as a key figure in orchestrating the violence.
However, James Khwatenge, a former officer with the National Intelligence Service (NIS), has come forward to set the record straight, distancing Gachagua from the tragic events. Khwatenge, who was actively serving as a Special Branch officer in Molo at the time, refuted claims tying Gachagua to the clashes, emphasizing that these events predate Gachagua’s involvement in public service. According to Khwatenge, the clashes occurred during Jomo Kenyatta’s presidency, a time when Gachagua had not even been born.
Khwatenge provided a detailed account of the security dynamics during the clashes. He pointed out that the top security officers stationed in Molo, including the District Officer, OCPD, and Special Branch officers, were predominantly from the Kalenjin community. A presidential directive had led to the transfer of all Gikuyu security personnel from the region, leaving key security apparatus under the control of Kalenjin officials. He argued that this context debunks claims of Gachagua’s leadership in the violence.
The former intelligence officer also questioned the plausibility of Gachagua, a Gikuyu himself, targeting members of his own community during tribal clashes where the Gikuyu were a vulnerable minority. According to Khwatenge, the Gikuyu community bore the brunt of the violence, making it illogical to accuse Gachagua of masterminding an attack against his own people.
These revelations challenge a narrative that has persisted for decades, raising new questions about the true architects of the Molo clashes and offering Gachagua a defense against long-standing accusations.
By Newshub