Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has issued a strong warning to Kenyan youth planning to participate in the June 25 protest, claiming there is a plot to kill them during the planned commemoration of last year’s anti-tax demonstrations.
Speaking on Kameme FM on Monday, Gachagua alleged that President William Ruto and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja have repeatedly hired goons to appear at public events and are now planning to use the same individuals to launch a violent assault against protesting youth.
“I fear that if the youth take to the streets, the government and the Nairobi governor will use goons from areas like Umoja and Kayole to kill them,” Gachagua claimed. “These children are ours, and I feel terrible when blood is shed.”
He urged parents and young people to refrain from taking to the streets, instead advising them to mark the day from home. “Let us not send our children to the slaughterhouse while we watch,” he added, emphasizing that the alleged plot is fueled by desperation within government ranks.
Gachagua referenced the events of June 12, when demonstrators in Nairobi’s CBD clashed with police while demanding justice for Albert Ojwang’, who died in police custody. He claimed the burning of cars during the protest was staged to justify a violent crackdown.
“No car was reported as burnt. NTSA checked and found the vehicles were not registered to anyone,” he stated. “It was a ploy to provoke police violence against the youth.”
The warning comes amid growing calls to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the 2024 protests, which left several young Kenyans dead following confrontations with security forces.
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has urged Kenyans to hold peaceful vigils. “On the 25th of June, Kenyans should go and light candles at the gates of Parliament to honour the young lives lost,” he said during a church service in Kilifi.
As the date approaches, concerns continue to rise over possible confrontations, even as civil society and opposition leaders push for peaceful remembrance.
Written By Rodney Mbua
