Gachagua Claims Elite Presidential Escort Unit Is “Ethnicised” And Demoralised By Graft Following Ruto Stage Breach

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has launched a stinging critique against the government following the recent presidential security breach, warning that any failure to protect President William Ruto risks plunging the country into an unprecedented national crisis.

Speaking during a fiery press briefing on Sunday, May 24, 2026, Gachagua stated that while the political opposition remains determined to oust President Ruto, they intend to do so strictly through democratic means, making the Head of State’s physical safety paramount.

“He Must Be Safe”

Gachagua noted that he usually avoids discussing VIP security protocols in public to avoid compromised situations, but felt compelled to break his silence given the gravity of the recent stage breach in Kilifi.

“His security and wellbeing is a very important ingredient of our political stability… He must be safe,” Gachagua emphasized, warning that any harm coming to the President would trigger a political and social crisis “of great magnitude.”

He reiterated that political competitors want to defeat Ruto “through the ballot, not any other method.”

Fierce Attack on Murkomen and Police Chiefs

The former Deputy President did not mince his words regarding the leadership at the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, training his sights directly on Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen. Gachagua characterized the CS as “naive, childish, and juvenile,” arguing that the critical security docket is being mismanaged by politically ambitious individuals.

He claimed that the nation’s top security chiefs face immense difficulties briefing the CS due to his lack of administrative depth. Gachagua further asserted that in a functioning democracy, both CS Murkomen and Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja would have already tendered their resignations over the lapse.

Allegations of Graft and Tribalism in the PEU

Beyond the political leadership, Gachagua leveled stunning allegations against the internal management of the Presidential Escort Unit (PEU). He claimed the elite unit is currently deeply demoralized, highly “ethnicised,” and riddled with operational corruption.

According to Gachagua, there are widespread frustrations within the ranks regarding unpaid allowances, alongside disturbing claims that junior officers are being forced to kick back a percentage of their stipends to senior commanders.

He urgently called on the government to clear all outstanding dues owed to the presidential detail, imploring President Ruto to step back and “allow professionals” to handle his protection without political interference.

Dismissing the UDA Apology

Turning to the political arena, Gachagua dismissed the recent public apology issued by UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar over controversial remarks.

The former DP claimed the apology was disingenuous, alleging that Omar’s initial statements were actually deliberated upon and cleared during high-level meetings at State House, Mombasa. According to Gachagua, the remarks and the subsequent backtracking are all part of a heavily coordinated political script orchestrated by the ruling regime.