Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has come out strongly to deny any involvement in the recent nationwide protests, saying claims that he funded the unrest are lies means to mislead the public.
In a televised interview, Gachagua questioned why, if the state had credible intelligence about his alleged involvement, no action was taken. “If they knew goons were paid by me or anyone else, why weren’t they arrested?” he asked, dismissing the accusations as baseless.
He also brushed off suggestions that the protests were part of a coup attempt. “If those protesters were under my control, they’d either be in jail or dead,” he said bluntly, adding that the chaos would have been handled far differently if it were truly orchestrated by him.
His comments were in response to statements made by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, who claimed the protests were an attempted overthrow of government institutions like Parliament and State House.
Gachagua further challenged the government’s response, wondering how unarmed protesters allegedly overran a police station. “If there was solid intelligence, why didn’t they act before things got out of hand?” he asked. He criticized Murkomen’s statements, urging him to stop treating Kenyans as fools.
He also demanded answers as to why known looters weren’t arrested during the protest, adding that if someone had truly sent them, they should be in custody to aid investigations.
President William Ruto also weighed in, condemning the unrest as acts of anarchy disguised as protests. He directed law enforcement agencies to launch immediate investigations and vowed that those behind the violence would face justice.
The president also warned politicians not to exploit the frustrations of young people for personal gain. “Those who want to lead must do so through the ballot, not by destroying what others have built,” he said firmly.
As tensions remain high, political blame games continue while the country awaits clarity on who truly sparked the unrest—and why.