Deputy President-turned-opposition figure Rigathi Gachagua has for the first time publicly attributed his political fallout with President William Ruto to what he described as the state’s “heavy-handed” crackdown on last year’s Gen Z-led protests.
Speaking at a meeting with leaders from Narok and Kajiado counties held at his Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri, Gachagua confirmed that the official launch of his new party, the Democratic Change Party (DCP), is set for July 7. The launch venue, he said, would be determined by DCP leadership, choosing between Narok and Kajiado.
“This celebration is yours,” Gachagua told the gathered leaders. “Prepare to welcome guests and guard the meeting. We’ve agreed to hold the launch on the seventh of July.”
The DCP party leader accused state agencies of frustrating his efforts to formally unveil the party, suggesting political interference had delayed its rollout.
Gachagua also revisited the June 2024 youth-led Gen Z protests, saying young people have a constitutional right to air their views, and strongly criticized President Ruto’s response to the demonstrations.
“They have a right to be heard, and I disagree with what William Ruto has done,” Gachagua said. “That’s when our fallout began. Now we barely speak—only through messages.”
The Gen Z protests, which erupted over rising costs of living and alleged government corruption, were met with widespread condemnation after reports of police brutality and civilian casualties emerged.
Ahead of a planned commemorative march by families of those killed during the protests, leaders allied to Gachagua called on the police to uphold their duty to protect demonstrators.
“Inspector General of Police, your job is to protect lives and property,” said Kajiado North MP Onesmus Ngogoyo. “As we approach June 25, if young people come out to peacefully protest again, don’t repeat what you did last year.”
Former Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi, also present at the meeting, called for unity and problem-solving through dialogue.
“Working together, there’s no challenge we cannot solve for our people,” he remarked.
