Gachagua Faces Backlash Over Past Support for Police Crackdowns Against Protests

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has dramatically shifted his political allegiance, transforming from a staunch supporter of President William Ruto into a prominent critic. 

Gachagua's change of heart follows his removal from office in October 2024, after which he launched a vocal campaign scrutinising the administration he previously defended. Gachagua's recent criticisms reached a peak last week after he condemned the government's response to demonstrations following the death of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang. The protests, largely composed of young people and civil society members, were met with violent force, leading to injuries. Boniface Mwangi Kariuki, an innocent bystander, was shot and is currently hospitalised following multiple surgeries.

The former Deputy President swiftly condemned the actions on his X account, stating, "Today, we have witnessed one of the lowest moments of our post-independence Kenya. It is uncivilised to sink our nation into an international shame by a clueless regime that has no value and dignity for human life."

He further criticised the administration's actions as "a calculated assault" on constitutional freedoms, accusing it of undermining Kenya's reputation through the suppression of peaceful protest. This stance represents a notable departure from Gachagua's previous unwavering loyalty to President Ruto. A year prior, during demonstrations against the Finance Bill 2023, Gachagua publicly supported police intervention, referring to protesters as agents of chaos and urging decisive action from security forces. 

"You cannot go to the streets destroying property and expect police to come kiss you," he declared during a visit to Mt. Kenya with President Ruto.

At that time, Gachagua positioned himself as a key defender of the President. He publicly emphasised his commitment to protecting President Ruto from his political adversaries. "Whoever is planning something against President Ruto should be prepared to face me because that is my job. My work is to protect him," he stated during a Sunday service in Nandi County.

He also defended the President against accusations of excessive government spending. Following reports from the Controller of Budget that the presidency had spent KSh 2.3 billion on travel and hospitality within six months, a threefold increase compared to the same period under Uhuru Kenyatta, Gachagua dismissed these reports as unbalanced, emphasising the mission-driven nature and benefits of Ruto's foreign trips.

Gachagua also staunchly opposed any dialogue between President Ruto and the opposition leader, Raila Odinga, portraying himself as a bulwark against compromise. However, signs of a rift began to appear during the mid-2024 anti-tax protests. While President Ruto defended the police response, framing the protests as threats to national stability, Gachagua voiced concerns over the growing disconnect between the government and its citizens. Addressing a crowd in Mombasa, he lamented the government's apparent indifference. 

"It is embarrassing to me that it has taken protests for the President to know the truth," he said, arguing that earlier recognition of public opposition to the Finance Bill could have prevented its passage through Parliament.

Tensions heightened when President Ruto expressed openness to dialogue with opposition leaders, a move Gachagua had consistently resisted. Shortly after being removed from his position as Deputy President, Gachagua initiated open opposition to the administration. Subsequently, he began publicly alleging instances of corruption, nepotism, and fiscal mismanagement within the government, highlighting issues such as the deterioration of the healthcare system, misuse of public funds, and a growing debt crisis.

Gachagua is now presenting himself as a victim of betrayal and a whistleblower seeking to save the nation from what he describes as a deceptive and elitist government. He has increased his engagement across Mt. Kenya, suggesting that the region's loyalty in the 2022 elections has been disregarded and urging voters to reconsider their support in the lead-up to 2027. Amid rising concerns, Gachagua is alleging political sabotage and surveillance, claiming that his gatherings are being actively disrupted and his movements monitored. 

He reports being trailed by unmarked vehicles and encountering disruptions by state-sponsored actors at public events. In response to these perceived threats, Gachagua has moved to unite opposition forces. He has initiated discussions with Martha Karua, leader of the People's Liberation Party, and Kalonzo Musyoka, head of the Wiper Party, to establish a new political alliance to challenge Ruto's re-election efforts.

Gachagua's political transformation culminated in the launch of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), which is positioning itself as a grassroots movement focused on constitutionalism, social justice, and government accountability. Using slogans such as "Wantam", a reference to Ruto's purported one-term presidency ambition, Gachagua has become a focal point for anti-establishment sentiments.

The recent protests over the killing of Ojwang have further amplified his voice, with growing public outrage over state violence and democratic regression lending weight to his criticisms. Gachagua, once known for his staunch defence of the government, now portrays himself as a champion for the people. However, Gachagua's past actions continue to draw scrutiny. His previous support for state violence, defence of controversial policies, and criticism of opponents have not been forgotten. This record raises questions about whether his present activism is rooted in genuine conviction or political calculation.