In a sharp escalation of political tensions, Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has publicly challenged Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, demanding an end to what he describes as the selective targeting of opposition supporters. The confrontation unfolded just hours after President William Ruto issued a stern directive for the police to clamp down on rising political hooliganism across the country.

This latest flashpoint exposes the deep-seated friction at the heart of Kenya's national security command. For the average Kenyan, the public feud between the executive and the police leadership raises critical questions about safety and the rule of law. It suggests a political landscape where personal security could depend on party affiliation, a dangerous precedent as the nation gears up for future elections.

A President's Order, A Rival's Accusation

Addressing newly graduated administration officers on Monday, President Ruto condemned the surge in politically sponsored violence, particularly incidents that marred recent by-elections. "I have instructed the Inspector General to take decisive legal action to bring this to an end," the President stated firmly, warning that financiers of youth gangs would face the full force of the law.

The directive followed a chaotic scene at a PCEA church in Kariobangi North on Sunday, where rival factions clashed during a service attended by Gachagua, prompting police to intervene. However, Gachagua dismissed the government's stance, alleging the state itself is behind some of the violent groups. In a formal letter to the IG, he accused the police service under Kanja's leadership of being the "weakest link" in stopping political violence.

Gachagua's grievances are not new. He has consistently flagged incidents where his supporters and rallies have faced disruption, including:

• Police mounting roadblocks to obstruct his campaign entry into Narok town.
• Allegations of state-sponsored goons and police in civilian clothes being used to overturn the will of the people in by-elections in Mbeere North and Malava.
• An April incident where his bodyguards fired in the air to disperse youths who stormed a church he was attending in Kasarani.

Police Under Fire

The National Police Service (NPS) has pushed back against the accusations of bias. In a statement, NPS Spokesperson Michael Muchiri confirmed that a full-scale investigation into the Kariobangi church violence was underway, noting the disturbances appeared "planned and premeditated." The police also corrected what they termed "misinformation" that a teargas canister was thrown inside the church sanctuary.

Ahead of the recent by-elections, the NPS had assured the public of its neutrality and commitment to professionalism, warning that any person inciting violence, regardless of their political standing, would face legal consequences. Yet, critics and opposition figures maintain that security agencies have enforced the law selectively, a claim that fuels public mistrust and anxiety.

Analysts suggest the persistent and heavy-handed police deployments at opposition events may be counterproductive, risking the popularisation of the very leaders the state seemingly seeks to suppress. As the political rhetoric heats up, the Inspector General finds himself in a precarious position, caught between a presidential directive to restore order and accusations of orchestrating it.

Looking ahead, the ability of the police to act impartially will be a crucial test for Kenya's democratic stability. As Gachagua noted in his public challenge, "If police under your command disengage from the state-sponsored militia, within no time... Kenyans will arrest those goons and bring them back to your stations."