Police or Political Hit Squad? Gachagua's Ally Demands Devolution After Yesterday's Church Attack

Opposition leaders have renewed calls for far-reaching police reforms, demanding the devolution of the police service to counties and a forensic audit of officer transfers ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) deputy leader Cleophas Malala made the case following an attack on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua during a church service in Othaya, Nyeri County. Malala argued that past reforms which rebranded the police from a force to a service failed to deliver accountability, leaving room for political manipulation under a highly centralised command structure.

He warned that the current setup could be exploited to intimidate opponents and inflame tensions as campaigns intensify. According to Malala, devolving policing functions would limit abuse of power, enhance local accountability and reduce the use of security agencies for partisan ends. He said local recruitment and deployment would make it harder to issue unlawful orders against community leaders.