As Kenyans prepare to mark one year since last June’s deadly anti-tax protests, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has issued a chilling warning to the nation’s youth: stay home or risk being killed.
Speaking on Kameme FM on Monday morning, Gachagua claimed that unnamed individuals close to President William Ruto and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja are allegedly plotting to unleash hired thugs during the planned demonstrations on June 25.
“I fear that if the youth take to the streets, the government and the governor of Nairobi will use goons,” said Gachagua. “They will be brought from Umoja, Kayole and other places and come to kill the youth.”
His message was clear and emotional. Calling the protest a “set-up,” Gachagua warned parents against allowing their children to participate in what he described as a “slaughterhouse.”
“These children are ours,” he said. “Let us not take our children to the slaughterhouse while we watch.”
The former DP’s remarks come amid growing calls for nationwide remembrance of those who died during last year’s confrontations with police. Protesters had taken to the streets in opposition to new tax measures, with several young Kenyans reportedly killed during clashes with police.
Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka is among those supporting a peaceful commemoration. On Sunday, during a church service in Kilifi, he urged Kenyans to gather near Parliament Buildings on June 25 and light candles.
“We must honour the young Kenyans who died or were injured during confrontations with the police,” Kalonzo said. “Let it be peaceful. Let it be prayerful.”
Tensions remain high after a protest last Thursday turned chaotic in central Nairobi. Demonstrators had called for the arrest of Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat over the death of university student Albert Ojwang’, who died in police custody.
Several cars were reportedly torched, but Gachagua dismissed the reports, claiming the incident was staged.
“There was no car that was burnt,” he said. “Nobody has reported it to the police. NTSA checked the number plates and found that the cars weren’t even registered.”
Gachagua believes this was a tactic to justify a crackdown on protesters.
The government has yet to respond to the claims. Neither State House nor the Nairobi Governor’s office has issued a statement addressing the allegations.
Civil rights groups have raised concerns about safety during the June 25 gathering. Some have called on the government to ensure police officers act with restraint and protect the right to peaceful assembly.
