Former Kenyan Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused President William Ruto’s administration of orchestrating a state-sponsored militia operation during the 7 July Saba Saba demonstrations, the 35th anniversary of the pro-democracy protests. Gachagua alleges the militia acted in concert with police to maim protesters, loot businesses and torch property in the Mt Kenya region, with the intent of blaming the violence on the Kikuyu community and portraying it as an uprising. Speaking in Meru on 9 July, Gachagua cited the arson attack on Magunas supermarket, claiming MP Rindikiri Mugambi had foretold the incident at a government event attended by Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen. He also said a “killer squad” of 101 operatives, allegedly assembled under National Intelligence Service Director-General Noordin Haji, was deployed in unmarked vehicles to carry out targeted attacks. The former deputy president further accused the government of using terrorism charges and economic sabotage to profile Kikuyus, pointing to what he called selective prosecution when similar offences elsewhere drew lesser charges. He named Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi and politicians Joseph ole Lenku, Onesmus Ngogoyo, John Kaguchia and Kamau Murango among allies he says are being lined up for arrest over the unrest. State House and the Interior Ministry have not responded publicly to the allegations. Kenya’s police service has previously denied employing extrajudicial tactics during demonstrations, while President Ruto has defended the security response as necessary to curb violence and protect property.