Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has come out strongly to condemn the government’s handling of the June 25, 2025 protests, accusing the police of using excessive force.
His statement comes hours after interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen said the protests were funded.
In a strongly worded statement issued Thursday, Gachagua said the use of live bullets on peaceful and unarmed young protesters was unacceptable.
“I condemn in the strongest terms possible the use of excessive force and live bullets by the police on peaceful and unharmed Gen-Z protesters across the country,” said Gachagua. “Intimidating young demonstrators who were only remembering their slain colleagues only complicates the matter for you and your rogue regime, Mr. Ruto.”
Gachagua accused the government of breaking its promises to the youth, saying the protests stemmed from unmet expectations.
“Mr. Ruto, you know you promised our young people jobs and economic liberation. You also know what you have delivered instead to them and their parents,” he said.
The former deputy president further alleged that during previous protests, government officials hired goons to beat up demonstrators, and this time switched tactics to incite looting and destruction.
“Last week, during the protests over the brutal murder of Mr. Albert Ouko, goons were organized to beat up peaceful demonstrators. Yesterday, they were instructed to loot and destroy property,” he claimed.
Gachagua said genuine Gen-Z protestors were blocked on Kiambu and Thika roads while known goons were allowed into the city center under police watch to cause destruction.
He alleged a targeted pattern in the destruction of businesses, especially in downtown Nairobi, claiming they were owned by individuals from a particular community.
“We have credible information that officials from the Nairobi County Government, under instructions, led goons on a targeted looting spree to intimidate and coerce business owners. Some premises were left intact in the evening but were found looted by morning,” he said.
He also accused the government of deliberately switching off TV signals to enable state-sponsored attacks without media scrutiny.
Gachagua criticized Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen’s remarks that seemed to suggest the protests were a Kikuyu uprising.
“Mr. Murkomen, this is not the first time you have made such a statement. You are profiling a community that voted overwhelmingly for this regime. This is both reckless and shameful,” he said.
He dismissed attempts by government-aligned propagandists to shift blame to patriotic politicians who have stood with Kenyans, saying, “Give us a break.”
Gachagua urged Kenyans to remain resilient, noting that they have resisted oppression before and will do so again.
“Kenyans resisted colonialism, endured the Moi dictatorship for 24 years, and they will survive the two years of your regime. They will correct the mistakes made in 2022,” he said.
He rejected claims that Gen-Zs are being funded or led by political figures.
“Mr. Ruto, Gen-Zs need no financing or leadership from politicians. Unless you believe your own lies, you should know that they are a generation powered by conviction, not cash.”
Gachagua appealed to President Ruto to genuinely listen to the youth, warning that their defiance in the face of intimidation reflects true patriotism.
“For a year, you have waged a campaign of terror against them. You have abducted, tortured, and shed their blood. Still, they have refused to be silenced,” he said. “They have more tomorrows than you or I. If you listen, they are telling you: the person setting this country ablaze is you, Mr. Ruto.”
He warned that creating a police state to silence dissent would not succeed and urged Ruto to consider what legacy he wants to leave behind.
“These young people are the future of this country. When the story of this era is written, think carefully about your legacy, Mr. President.”
Gachagua said he had canceled his planned engagements in Embu County in honor of those killed and the businesses affected by the unrest.
“It is in solidarity with the young people who lost their lives and the business community who have lost billions due to this rogue regime that I have suspended my public engagements in Embu.”
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