"Ignore illegal instructions": Rigathi Gachagua warns police officers against their bosses

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has sparked reactions after warning officers against following illegal instructions from their seniors.

Speaking at a funeral in Laikipia, Gachagua, dressed in a grey suit, white shirt, and red tie, referenced the controversial case of Albert Ojwang’, a 31-year-old teacher and blogger who died under suspicious circumstances after being arrested by police.

“Wewe unafuata amri ya mkubwa, mnaenda mnapiga mtu munaua. Mkubwa analindwa, na wewe unakaa sacrificed, unaenda kotini. DIG Lagat anakaa protected by National Assembly, by Ruto, by everybody. I want to tell our police officers: don’t obey unlawful orders,” Gachagua said.

His utterances have since gone viral, igniting passionate responses across social media.

User @Reneekumbiz posted, “Sio bure askari hujinyonga juu ya depression!”

@SAYIA.J.M added, “Sincere truth.”

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@Kasskamabundr commented, “Uzuri yake tu ni kifichua siri za nchi kwa mwananchi.”

Gachagua was speaking during the burial of Matriarch Gladys Wairimu, wife of the former Laikipia Senator GG Kariuki

This online uproar coincides with growing public outrage, legal battles, and calls for accountability in the wake of Ojwang’s death.

Ojwang’s troubles reportedly began after he made a post on X (formerly Twitter), alleging that Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat was under investigation by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission. Following the post, he was arrested and later found dead at Mbagathi Hospital.

A medical report revealed disturbing details; Ojwang’ had multiple bruises on his face, limbs, and body. Blood was oozing from the back of his head, eyes, and mouth, with a visible cut on his skull, pointing to signs of severe torture.

Senators recently grilled top police officials, including Inspector General Japhet Koome and his deputy, Douglas Kanja.

During the hearing, IG Kanja confirmed that it was indeed Eliud Lagat who filed the complaint that led to Ojwang’s arrest on June 4.

Despite mounting pressure, nationwide protests, and petitions demanding justice, DIG Lagat remains in office and has not been questioned or suspended.

His last public appearance was on June 9, during a press briefing with IG Kanja at Nairobi’s Central Police Station, the very location where Ojwang’ allegedly suffered his fatal injuries.

Meanwhile, a few junior officers have faced disciplinary action, including the suspension of Nairobi Central Police Station OCS Samson Taalam, as Kenyans continue to demand accountability from the highest levels of the police service.