RANGWE, Kenya — Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has accused former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of riding on the wave of Gen Z protests to push his own political agenda.
Speaking at Asumbi National School during a public bursary distribution event, Wanga claimed the recent youth-led demonstrations were not entirely organic, but “carefully staged” by opposition figures hoping to unsettle the government.
“These protests are not just about youth frustrations. Gachagua is using the Gen Zs to try and get to power through the backdoor,” Wanga told the crowd on Sunday, referring to last Wednesday’s nationwide protests. “If he wants to lead this country, he should wait for 2027 like everyone else.”
Wanga, who also chairs the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), alleged that the former deputy president is working to destabilise President William Ruto’s administration under the cover of legitimate public dissent.
Her remarks come amid growing tension across Kenya, with thousands of young people demonstrating over economic hardship, rising taxes, and allegations of state corruption. The protests have drawn widespread attention both locally and internationally for their spontaneity, online coordination, and lack of formal leadership.
But Wanga suggested darker political forces may be at play.
“Let no one pretend these protests are purely innocent,” she said. “There are politicians hiding behind our youth, funding chaos, and trying to trigger a crisis.”
She said ODM supports a government of national unity and will not back any move that seeks to undermine constitutional order.
Rangwe MP Dr Lilian Gogo echoed Wanga’s concerns, warning politicians against using young people as political pawns.
“Let our youth protest if they must but let them do it for real change, not to serve political interests of leaders hungry for power,” Gogo said.
Rigathi Gachagua, now the leader of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), has not directly responded to Wanga’s accusations. However, he has in recent days posted online messages in support of the youth, praising them for standing up against what he described as “a failing government.”
Political analysts remain divided. Some argue that the Gen Z protests have been largely organic, sparked by genuine frustrations. Others believe certain political actors have since tried to tap into the momentum.
