Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has strongly dismissed allegations that he is plotting to unconstitutionally overthrow President William Ruto’s government, asserting that change will come through the ballot in the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during his ongoing tour of the United States, Gachagua hit back at claims made by Ruto and his allies suggesting that he is inciting civil unrest as part of a coup plot. This follows a warning issued by President Ruto on July 9, where he condemned attempts to remove his administration before 2027 through “violence and unlawful means.”
“Nobody wants to overthrow the government, and it is not necessary. We want change through the ballot on the 10th of August 2027,” Gachagua said. “We believe in constitutional means. Let the people decide.”
The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader also condemned what he described as “gross violations of human rights” during recent anti-government protests in Kenya. He criticized remarks by President Ruto and other government officials, referencing controversial “shoot to kill” and “shoot on the leg” orders given to police during demonstrations.
“That is where nobody can believe it,” Gachagua stated, calling such directives excessive and unconstitutional.
Gachagua further alleged that a notorious gang leader from the 1990s, with pending court cases, was rewarded for his involvement in suppressing protests. “He had a criminal case in Makadara, it was withdrawn to ‘thank him’ for a job ‘well done,’” he claimed, without providing evidence.
The former DP continued to rally support for the “Wantam” (One-Term) movement, a growing opposition campaign aimed at denying President Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza administration a second term. “Kenyans have decided. Across the country, 90% cannot wait, it is one term,” Gachagua declared.
He also dismissed Azimio leader Raila Odinga’s recent calls for a national dialogue, accusing him of working in collusion with the Ruto administration to derail the opposition’s momentum. “That old man has been sent by Ruto to create a diversion,” Gachagua alleged.
In response to Odinga’s remark that “Riggy G” cannot be Kenya’s solution, Gachagua replied, “I’ve never said I’m the solution. The solution is one, one term. It cannot be stopped.”
Addressing Kenyans in the diaspora while in Seattle, he urged them to continue sending remittances, which he described as a key pillar of the country’s economy. “You are serious partners in our economic development,” he told the diaspora community.
Gachagua’s remarks come amid increasing political tension in Kenya as the 2027 election season begins to take shape.
Written By Rodney Mbua
