NAIROBI — National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has firmly rejected claims by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua that linked him to the violent protests that rocked parts of Kenya on June 25.
Speaking in Nairobi on Wednesday, Ichung’wah described the accusations as “absurd and shameless,” placing full responsibility for the unrest and political fallout squarely on Gachagua and his circle of allies.
“The only person responsible for Gachagua’s political downfall is Gachagua himself,” Ichung’wah said. “His allies are not victims. They are the ones charged in court, with clear and damning evidence.”
The protests, which turned destructive in parts of Central Kenya, saw government offices torched, businesses looted, and the Kikuyu Law Courts set on fire. Gachagua had accused top government officials, including Ichung’wah, of fueling the chaos to silence dissent. But Ichung’wah dismissed the allegations as a diversion tactic.
“If he has an ounce of evidence to prove otherwise, let him take it to the ICC, the UN, or whatever platform he prefers,” Ichung’wah said. “But don’t mistake accountability for persecution.”
He pointed to the recent arrest of Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji, a known Gachagua ally, as evidence of the real culprits behind the protests. Ichung’wah said Mukunji was captured on video inciting the looting of shops during the demonstrations.
“Gachagua’s associates are not being targeted. They are being held accountable,” he added. “The law does not care about political friendship when the evidence is this clear.”
Ichung’wah went on to accuse the former Deputy President of promoting divisive politics, misleading the public, and attempting to shield individuals from prosecution under the guise of political persecution.
“He is free, just like any other Kenyan, to present any evidence to investigative agencies,” Ichung’wah stated. “But we will not allow him to weaponize lies to cleanse himself while dragging others into his abyss.”
Addressing past claims made by Gachagua, including an unverified allegation that a sitting MP was poisoned, Ichung’wah said such statements were theatrics meant to stir public emotion.
“We will not allow criminals to pose as martyrs or anarchists to destabilize the nation for selfish political gain,” he concluded.
Gachagua has not responded to Ichung’wah’s latest remarks. Meanwhile, security agencies continue to investigate the events surrounding the June protests and are expected to release findings on organized Saba Saba protest on July 7 this month.
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