DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua. /RIGATHI GACHAGUA/XDCP leader Rigathi Gachagua has strongly condemned the manner in which the government responded to Wednesday's Gen Z commemorative protests, accusing the regime of orchestrating violence and targeting peaceful demonstrators.
In strongly-worded statement, Gachagua decried the use of excessive force and live bullets by police on unarmed protesters across the country.
At least 15 people died, some from bullet wounds.
“In the strongest terms possible, I condemn the use of excessive force and live bullets by the police on peaceful and unarmed Gen Z protesters witnessed yesterday across the country.”
The former Deputy President argued that intimidating peaceful and young demonstrators, who were only remembering their slain colleagues, complicates the matter further for the government.
Gachagua attributed the cause of the protests to broken promises.
“The cause of the Gen Z protests is well-known by the government and every Kenyan; Ruto, you know you promised our young people jobs and economic liberation. You know what you have delivered to them and their parents.”
Gachagua accused the government of allowing suspected goons to enter Nairobi to cause mayhem and shift blame to Gen Zs.
He alleged that businesses in Nairobi, especially downtown, owned by people from a certain region were targeted by people instructed to loot and destroy their property.
“This brutal exercise was led by politicians allied to this government,” Gachagua stated.
“Most of the businesses were left intact last evening only to be found looted in the morning,” he said, alleging that rogue officers led goons for a targeted looting spree.
Gachagua also accused the government of media suppression.
He alleged that the government deliberately switched off the signals of major national TV stations so goons could loot and destroy property away from the public eye.
The former DP criticised Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen for what he called a “pretentious” visit to looted shops.
“We have seen the CS for Interior pretentiously visiting shops that were looted in an attempt to hide guilt. Murkomen, Kenyans are not fools,” Gachagua charged.
He criticised government propagandists for blaming patriotic politicians over the mayhem, saying, "please, give us a break.”
“The CS is well aware that the Gen Zs were against corruption, extrajudicial killings, abductions and anarchy.”
The former DP praised the resilience of Kenyans, saying they are "indefatigable" as demonstrated by their resistance against the colonialists for a long time.
He dismissed the notion that Gen Z protesters were financed or led by outside forces.
“You are well aware that the Gen Zs do not require any financing or being led in their cause unless you would want to believe in cheap propaganda,” he said.
Gachagua urged President William Ruto to listen to the youth and act to resolve the issues they have been raising.
"They raised their voices a year ago, and you have heard them, but you have still not truly listened. You have not shown an iota of a caring father, a year on.”
The ex-DP further accused the government of waging a campaign of terror against Gen Z through abductions and torture.
"Still, they have refused to be silenced.”
Gachagua called on the President to recognise the youth as the future of the country, saying they have the most to lose if the country falls.
"They have more tomorrows ahead of them than either you or I,” Gachagua said, warning against what he described as creation of a police state to suppress dissent.
He concluded by expressing solidarity with the youth and business community affected by the violence.
Gachagua announced the cancellation of his media briefing and public engagement in Embu county in honour of those who lost their lives and livelihoods.
