Kenya’s Deputy President Denies Aiding Violent Protests, Accuses Authorities of Political Harassment
Nairobi, Kenya – Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has denied allegations of aiding the violent June 25 Gen Z-led protests that led to an invasion of Parliament. In a statement, Gachagua denounced what he termed as "trumped up charges" by the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) on his office staff and Members of Parliament allied to him.
Gachagua accused the authorities of using the criminal justice system to manage politics, stating that the plan is to associate him and his allies with the violent demonstrations in an attempt to soil his name and create grounds for his impeachment. He regretted the development, saying it is against what he and President William Ruto promised Kenyans after taking office in 2022.
The Deputy President’s statement comes as police want top aides and allies to Gachagua to be charged with various offenses over the Gen Z protests. Those implicated include Members of Parliament Benjamin Gathiru, James Gakuya, George Theuri, former Nyeri Town MP Wambugu Ngunjiri, and Gachagua’s Private Secretary, Pius Munene.
The charges they face include soliciting or inciting others to commit an offense, conspiracy to commit a felony, and money laundering. Detective Abdallah Komesha said in a letter forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution that efforts are being made to obtain all financial data from FRC, Safaricom, and banks where financial transactions were carried out.
The latest development comes amid growing calls from Members of Parliament to impeach Gachagua, who is increasingly isolated within the government. The signature collection for the motion to remove Gachagua is reportedly underway, as he continues to face opposition from many leaders, particularly those from his home region, Mt. Kenya.
In a cryptic post on social media, National Assembly Majority Whip Silvanus Osoro hinted that preparations were complete, signaling growing challenges for Gachagua. Despite facing increasing isolation within the government, Gachagua remains defiant, vowing to fight the attempts of impeachment head-on.
