By James Murimi - Reporter
Kenya, January 10, 2026 - People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has accused President William Ruto’s administration of using the police to stifle political competition, warning that continued harassment of Opposition figures risks undermining democratic freedoms.
Speaking in Nyeri Town on Saturday, Karua said the President should be free to tour any part of the country — including his expected visit to Chinga in Othaya, Nyeri County — but must not use state power to intimidate rival leaders.
“I hear President William Ruto will be touring Chinga in Othaya. He should be listened to and given his respect, but he must not send police to teargas members of the Opposition like they did to DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua in Kirinyaga County recently,” Karua said.
She claimed that Gachagua, the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader, has been targeted repeatedly by police, even when attending church services.
“Police have been sent to teargas Gachagua several times even as he attends church services. What are you afraid of? Let people mingle freely and let the verdict be that of the people of Kenya,” she said.
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Karua drew a sharp contrast between President Ruto’s current conduct and his past experiences while serving as Deputy President under former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
“William Ruto used to almost shed tears complaining when he was once or twice teargassed while he was Deputy President. For that reason, he said he would never mistreat anyone, including his Deputy President. Ruto is a man who goes back on his words,” she said.
The former Justice Minister urged the government to abandon political crackdowns and instead focus on improving the lives of Kenyans.
“Stop harassing the Opposition and mind matters that affect Kenyans. Improve the livelihoods of the people and uproot corruption by rooting for the rule of law,” Karua said.
Her remarks come as political temperatures rise in parts of Central Kenya, where police interventions at Opposition events have triggered debate over the state of political freedoms under the Kenya Kwanza administration.
