Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has firmly denied allegations that he is plotting to overthrow President William Ruto’s administration through unconstitutional means. Speaking during a tour of the United States, Gachagua responded to accusations by Kenya Kwanza loyalists, who claimed he was mobilising protests as part of a larger coup plot.
“Let nobody lie to you, nobody wants to overthrow the government. Change will come, but through the ballot on August 10, 2027,” Gachagua stated.
His remarks come days after President Ruto, during a fiery address on July 9, warned against attempts to remove him from power unlawfully. “Let those thinking they can take power through violence try. They will see,” the Head of State declared.
Gachagua, now the leader of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), criticized the Ruto administration over recent violent crackdowns on protesters, terming the actions as a gross violation of human rights. He specifically referenced the controversial “shoot on the leg” directive by President Ruto and “shoot to kill” orders allegedly made by Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen and Belgut MP Nelson Koech.
“What is happening in Kenya is unacceptable. The orders to shoot unarmed citizens are a betrayal of constitutional values,” Gachagua said.
He further alleged that a well-known gang leader, previously facing charges in Makadara Law Courts, had cases withdrawn as a reward for participating in protest suppression.
The former DP also doubled down on his support for the “Wantam” movement, a one-term campaign against the Kenya Kwanza regime. “This is not just about Mt Kenya. Across the nation, 90% of Kenyans are ready for change,” he said.
Gachagua dismissed ODM leader Raila Odinga’s recent proposal for a national dialogue, accusing him of being used by the State to derail the growing anti-government momentum. “Raila is Ruto’s decoy to confuse the public,” he said.
In Seattle, Gachagua urged Kenyans in the diaspora to continue sending remittances, calling them “critical partners in national economic development.”
