Kenya’s opposition leaders have pushed back against claims by government-allied MPs that the recent Gen Z-led demonstrations were part of a plot to topple President William Ruto’s administration. In a robust response, opposition-aligned lawmakers dismissed the allegations as an attempt to scapegoat former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and deflect from the government’s failures.
The protests, which turned deadly, were sparked by widespread anger over alleged extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances, rampant corruption, and unmet promises. Makueni MP Dan Maanzo said the demonstrations reflected a deep disconnect between the government and the youth, urging the administration to confront the real issues instead of shifting blame.
“There are many things this government has done that have angered the people. There is a serious disconnect between the government and the people and no effort is being made to bridge that gap,” Maanzo said.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and MPs led by National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah and Minority Whip Junet Mohamed had earlier claimed the protests aimed to trigger regime change by targeting key institutions like Parliament and State House.
Junet alleged that MPs Maanzo, Benjamin Mwangi (Embakasi Central), and James Gakuya (Embakasi North) ferried youths to Nairobi for the protests. However, under pressure from Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Junet withdrew the remarks after Deputy Minority Leader Robert Mbui raised a formal protest.
Maanzo denied the claims as baseless, saying, “This was not a coup. The Constitution of Kenya cannot be overthrown by anyone, including Gen Z. What Gen Z can do is get IDs, register as voters and remove this government in 2027.”
Other leaders, including Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia and Kitutu Chache MP Antony Kibagendi, also defended Gachagua, arguing that blaming one person for protests that occurred in over 25 counties was dishonest and irresponsible.
“These demonstrations were organic,” Mbui noted. “It’s time the government stopped blaming individuals and started listening to the youth.”
As the dust settles, opposition leaders are calling on President Ruto to urgently address the grievances of Kenya’s young generation, rather than engaging in political blame games.
