Gachagua Says He Skipped Nairobi Protests to Protect Gen Z Movement’s Credibility

Former Kenyan Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has publicly addressed his conspicuous absence from last Wednesday's anti-government protests, citing respect for the Gen Z-led movement and a desire to prevent the protests from being politicised. 

In a recent television interview, Gachagua offered a rare, candid perspective on his decision, which occurs amid escalating political tensions and public discontent.

Gachagua said his presence at the demonstrations, held on 25 June 2024, would have undermined the authenticity of the youth-driven outcry against economic hardships and the controversial Finance Bill. He asserts that his involvement would have provided ammunition to detractors seeking to discredit the movement by alleging political interference or sponsorship. 

"Gen Zs asked us to stay away from the protests and rightly so, because they don't want to be owned by anyone," Gachagua said during his appearance on NTV.

His distancing comes amid broader accusations that some politicians have exploited the protests for partisan gain or financially backed disruptive elements, claims he firmly denies. "Had I joined them on Wednesday, it would've fuelled false claims that I fund them. I had no business being in the streets," he said, rejecting insinuations of any behind-the-scenes involvement or connection to the unrest in Nairobi's Central Business District.

The controversy has intensified following remarks from Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, who warned of stringent action against any political actors found to have financed the protests. Murkomen's suggestion that ethnic affiliations may underlie some of the violence drew sharp rebuke from Gachagua, who accused the CS of ethnic profiling. 

Gachagua claims last year's Gen Z protests marked a turning point in his relationship with President William Ruto, revealing a private disagreement over the government's response to the demonstrations. He described a rift that emerged when he opposed the President's characterisation of the protestors as criminals, instead advocating for dialogue and restraint. 

"I told him I am against the use of excess force against them and I urged him to consider doing away with the Finance Bill, 2024, which he refused," Gachagua revealed.

Further clarifying earlier statements regarding law enforcement's conduct during protests while he was still in office, Gachagua refuted the perception that he endorsed a heavy-handed police approach. 

"What I said is police must use their guns to protect life and property, not to take away life," he clarified, aiming to correct misinterpretations of his stance on police conduct.

Throughout the interview, Gachagua painted a picture of principled dissent within the ruling coalition, positioning himself as a defender of youth-led activism and distancing himself from allegations of subversive intent. He also dismissed speculation that the protests are part of a broader plan to unseat the President, calling such claims "baseless" and "empty gimmicks." Addressing the President's remarks about being willing to step down if presented with a better national plan, Gachagua issued a blunt response, suggesting Ruto either resign voluntarily or face the electorate in 2027.