Nairobi – Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has denied allegations that he financed or organized violence during the deadly June 25 protests that rocked the country. Speaking during a live interview from his home, Gachagua dismissed claims from government officials that he played a role in what Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen labeled an “attempted coup.”
“These accusations are false. I had nothing to do with the violence. I was at home the entire day watching events unfold on television,” Gachagua said during the Friday evening broadcast.
The June 25 protests, driven by Gen Z activists marking the anniversary of the 2024 anti-Finance Bill demonstrations, left at least 15 people dead. Hundreds were injured, and property worth millions of shillings was destroyed across multiple counties. The government has accused Gachagua and his allies of mobilizing and financing criminal groups who allegedly infiltrated the peaceful protests.
Gachagua condemned the loss of life, sending condolences to the families of those killed and injured. “The Gen Z protests are leaderless, spontaneous, and not financed by anyone. These are young people expressing their frustration over mismanagement, corruption, and injustice,” he said.
He challenged the government to explain how goons managed to loot and torch buildings in full view of police officers without facing arrest. “There is clear video evidence of looters operating freely under police watch. If they had intelligence about my involvement, why didn’t they act on it?” he asked.
Responding to questions about attacks on police stations in Nyeri, Kiambu, and Embu areas considered his political base Gachagua alleged that the violence was orchestrated by state actors. “Police stations are guarded 24/7. You cannot convince Kenyans that unarmed individuals overpowered armed officers without any resistance. It was stage-managed,” he claimed.
Gachagua also accused the government of targeting Kikuyu-owned businesses and trying to turn the Mount Kenya region against its own leaders. “This was an attempt to blame popular Mount Kenya leaders by associating them with violence. But the people are not buying it,” he said.
On Interior CS Murkomen’s directive for police to shoot anyone approaching police stations during protests, Gachagua called the order unconstitutional. “A police station is a public institution. Telling officers to shoot civilians is illegal. Those officers will face charges alone. No one will protect them when the law catches up,” he warned.
He urged police to follow legal procedures outlined in the Constitution, Penal Code, Criminal Procedure Code, and the Evidence Act. “Our officers must reject unlawful commands. Don’t be used. When things go wrong, you will be the scapegoats,” he said.
Gachagua also recounted his fallout with President William Ruto, saying he distanced himself from the administration after the 2024 protests. “I opposed the use of force against the youth. When the President refused to listen, I took a public stand even while I was Deputy President. That marked the beginning of my political exile,” he said.
As national attention turns to accountability for the violence, Gachagua insisted that the public should demand answers from those in power. “If goons were state-sponsored, it explains why none have been arrested,” he said.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has not confirmed any charges against Gachagua, though investigations into the violence continue.
