Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s party, the Democracy For The Citizens Party (DCP), has launched a scathing attack on ODM leader Raila Odinga over his criticism of President William Ruto’s controversial “shoot-to-leg” directive to police.
In a hard-hitting statement signed by DCP Deputy Leader Cleophas Malalah, the party accused Raila of hypocrisy, disingenuity, and attempting to salvage his public image amid mounting national outrage over police brutality during ongoing Gen Z-led protests.
“Mr Odinga’s assertions are factually untenable, disingenuous, and contradictory,” said Malalah. “As an integral member of the present administration, he bears direct responsibility for its actions and is thus complicit in facilitating the alleged human rights violations perpetrated under President Ruto’s authority.”
Raila, in a statement issued earlier Friday, condemned the President’s directive, insisting that instructions to “shoot to kill, maim, disorient, or shock” protesters were unlawful and contrary to the rule of law. He urged the government to respect due process and uphold human rights.
DCP Press statement. Photo: Cleophas Malala Source: X
However, DCP dismissed the remarks as a public relations stunt meant to distance the former Prime Minister from the regime he actively supports. The party accused Raila of enabling police violence through ODM’s alliance with Ruto’s UDA party.
“Having chosen to legitimise this oppressive apparatus, he possesses no moral authority to condemn its atrocities,” the statement read.
DCP further criticised Raila’s silence on the deployment of ODM-affiliated youth to support police during protests, noting that ODM leadership had failed to censure state excesses—including killings, abductions, and torture allegedly carried out during the demonstrations.
The DCP’s response came just days after the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) confirmed that at least 31 people had died during the July 7 protests. The tension has escalated amid youth-led calls for reform and government accountability.
“We urge him to cease these disingenuous public relations exercises and cede space to principled leaders committed to Kenya’s liberation,” DCP concluded.
As the political blame game intensifies, Kenyans remain caught between power struggles and a growing demand for justice in the face of escalating state violence.
