Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has dismissed claims that he predicted violence during the 2027 general elections, insisting that his recent remarks were a warning not a threat aimed at safeguarding the country’s democracy.
Speaking on Sunday, May 18, at Christ’s Joy Christian Church in Ndunyu Chege, Murang’a County, Gachagua said his earlier comments were taken out of context. “I never said there would be chaos in Kenya,” he clarified. “What I said is that, according to the concerns being raised by Kenyans, there must be no attempts to rig the elections so that we avoid a repeat of the tragic events of 2007/2008.”
The former Deputy President emphasized that his statements stem from growing public unease and a desire to avoid the kind of violence that has previously accompanied disputed elections. He urged the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to uphold its mandate with integrity, warning that any malpractice in the 2027 polls could lead to severe consequences.
Gachagua also referenced the 2024 Finance Bill, saying he had warned the government in advance about the potential for unrest if it passed without proper public engagement. “When it happened, there was violence, unrest, and chaos. I had cautioned the Cabinet,” he stated.
During an interview on Obinna TV on Friday, May 16, Gachagua warned that mismanagement of the 2027 elections could result in unrest worse than what was witnessed in 2007/08. “With the mood in the country, if the IEBC tries to mess with the elections, there will be no country here. I want to tell you, 2007 will look like a Christmas party,” he had remarked.
However, on Sunday, he reiterated that his intention is not to incite but to caution. “That does not mean that we are advocating for anybody to fight anybody. We are saying we have seen it before and it can happen again,” Gachagua said.
He called on all leaders to take their civic responsibility seriously and work towards ensuring peace and transparency in the electoral process.
