ODM Deputy Leader Urges President Ruto to Guarantee Safety of Gachagua and Opposition Leaders
Mombasa Governor and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Deputy Party Leader Abdullswamad Sheriff Nassir has urged the national government to ensure the safety and freedom of opposition leaders, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, especially if they decide to organise demonstrations over recent cases of alleged police brutality.
Speaking in Mombasa on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, Nassir strongly criticised the recent police raid at Witima ACK Church, saying it was unacceptable for security officers to target places of worship. He described churches as sacred spaces that should never be violated, regardless of the political situation in the country.
The governor stated that if the opposition calls for peaceful protests to demand accountability from the police, the government has a constitutional duty to protect both the leaders and the citizens who participate. He stressed that the right to demonstrate, picket, and express dissent is clearly protected under Kenya’s Constitution.
Quoting the law, Nassir reminded the government that freedom of assembly is a core democratic value that should be respected by all, including the current broad-based administration.
He argued that the real difference between the ruling side and the opposition lies in values. “Our values respect your right to demonstrate,” Nassir said, adding that democracy cannot survive if citizens are silenced through intimidation or violence.
The ODM deputy leader further revealed that his party would instruct its affiliates and supporters to help maintain order and safety during any planned demonstrations.
In a sharp remark directed at the authorities, Nassir said the opposition would step in to provide the security that the government had allegedly failed to offer in the past.
“As people demonstrate, we will ask our supporters to ensure there is security—the same security you failed to give us when we were fighting for the rights of Kenyans,” he said.
Nassir explained that his call for protection of opposition leaders was not meant to fuel division, but rather to promote unity, political stability, and peaceful coexistence in the country.
He emphasized that Kenya’s democracy can only thrive when both government and opposition voices are allowed to speak freely without fear of persecution or violence.
His remarks come just days after Democracy for the Citizen Party leader Rigathi Gachagua threatened to lead nationwide protests if police officers allegedly involved in the attack at ACK Witima Church in Othaya are not arrested by February 16.
Gachagua described the incident as an “assassination attempt planned by the government” and claimed that he had already submitted the names of the officers he wants arrested to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
By the time of publishing, the National Police Service had not issued any official statement regarding investigations into the Witima Church incident, leaving many questions unanswered as public pressure continues to grow.
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