Deputy President-turned-Democratic Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has launched a scathing attack on President William Ruto’s administration, accusing it of orchestrating violence against peaceful Gen Z protesters and deploying goons to discredit the youth-led demonstrations.
In a strongly worded statement on Thursday, Gachagua condemned what he described as “the use of excessive force and live bullets” by police across the country during Wednesday’s protests, which marked the one-year anniversary of the deadly 2024 anti-tax demonstrations.
Human rights groups say at least 16 people were killed and over 400 injured in the unrest.
Gachagua alleged that the government blocked peaceful protesters on major roads and allowed hired goons to access central Nairobi, where they looted and destroyed property under police protection.
He further claimed businesses in certain areas were deliberately targeted based on ethnicity, with the looting allegedly coordinated by county officials and regime-aligned politicians.
“You have created a police state to suppress them, but their resolve remains strong,” Gachagua said, calling the Gen Z movement the “spirit of Kenyan patriotism.”
He also took aim at Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen, accusing him of ethnic profiling after remarks suggesting the protests were being driven by a single community.
Murkomen has faced sharp criticism for authorising force against those attacking police stations.
Gachagua, once a close ally of President Ruto, warned the Head of State that his legacy was at risk.
“When the story of this era is written, consider very carefully what your legacy will be,” he stated.
As a show of solidarity, Gachagua cancelled planned media and public engagements in Embu County, saying it would be disrespectful to proceed while mourning those killed.
