Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s statement yesterday condemning the violent protests in Nairobi and the tragic loss of life drew swift and scathing reactions from Kenyans online.
The demonstrations, sparked by the death of blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody, saw clashes between protesters and alleged government-aligned groups, with one unarmed civilian shot and left fighting for his life. Gachagua’s remarks, which criticized President William Ruto and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja for alleged police brutality, were met with accusations of hypocrisy and political opportunism, as Kenyans reminded him of his past support for the very government he now critiques.
In his statement, Gachagua warned of a supposed plot to harm protesters, referencing the June 17 chaos where a mask vendor, identified as Eli, was shot at point-blank range. “I had clearly warned of a plan by the President and the Governor of Nairobi County… to unleash police brutality and thugs in police escort to kill our young people today,” he said, positioning himself as a defender of the youth.
Yet, this newfound activism rang hollow for many, given his vocal criticism of protests led by opposition leader Raila Odinga during the 2024 anti-tax demonstrations. At the time, as Deputy President, Gachagua dismissed protesters as “criminals” and defended the government’s heavy-handed response, which left dozens dead.
Kenyans on X were quick to call out the contradiction. One user posted, “Gachagua gave us a mouthful of nonsense when people died last year during the protests. He was one of them until the deal turned sour. Please don’t tell us sh*t about that man.”
Another wrote, “Many supporters feel misled… having believed they were building a movement for Mt. Kenya, only to now suspect they were financing personal political interests disguised as party-building. #DishonestGachagua.” The hashtags underscored a broader sentiment: Gachagua’s impeachment in October 2024 has transformed him from a loyal Ruto ally into a critic, but Kenyans see his shift as self-serving.
Gachagua’s political arc is a study in contradictions. As Ruto’s running mate in 2022, he campaigned vigorously for the Kenya Kwanza government, rallying the Mt. Kenya region with promises of economic upliftment. His rhetoric then was uncompromising, often accusing Raila’s Azimio coalition of orchestrating chaos through protests.
Yet, after his fallout with Ruto and subsequent impeachment, Gachagua has pivoted, warning against the same tactics he once endorsed. His June 16 interview on Kameme TV, where he alleged Ruto and Sakaja planned to deploy goons to harm protesters on June 25, marked this shift, but it failed to erase memories of his past.
The public’s reaction reflects a growing distrust of politicians who switch sides for personal gain. Gachagua’s attempt to align with Gen Z’s grievances—particularly ahead of the planned June 25 protests to honor last year’s anti-tax demonstration victims—was seen as a clumsy bid to rebuild his political base.
“He thinks Kenyans have forgotten who he is,” one X user fumed. “He campaigned for this government, now he’s a critic because he’s out of power.”
As Kenya braces for more protests, Gachagua’s words carry little weight for a public weary of political flip-flopping. His condemnation of violence may be sincere, but his history as a staunch government defender overshadows any claim to moral authority.
