Nairobi, July 9- Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has dismissed recent remarks by President William Ruto suggesting there are attempts to overthrow the government through ongoing nationwide protests.
Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, July 8, Gachagua stated that no one is planning an unconstitutional takeover of the government, and that their goal is to challenge Ruto’s leadership at the ballot box come 2027.
“We want to tell you that the Wantam movement is not seeking to remove you from power through illegal means,” Gachagua said. “No one is trying to overthrow your government. I’ve said it before—we’re committed to removing you from State House through the ballot.”
His remarks come just hours after President Ruto, while launching the Police Housing Project in Kilimani, delivered a strongly worded speech accusing unnamed individuals of fuelling unrest and plotting to destabilise his administration. He warned that the state would no longer tolerate such actions.
“I’ve been patient with those pushing unconstitutional agendas but enough is enough,” Ruto said. “We’re coming for you.”
In a sharp rebuttal, Gachagua accused the president of using claims of a coup plot as a pretext to justify a crackdown on dissent.
“This narrative that there’s an attempt to overthrow the government is being used to weaponise the law, to profile certain communities, and to persecute leaders who oppose your regime,” Gachagua alleged.
The former DP also addressed the unrest witnessed during Saba Saba Day on July 7, suggesting that the destruction of property seen in parts of the country was orchestrated by the state as part of a wider effort to sabotage the economy and discredit protest organisers.
He further accused the government of allegedly colluding with some governors and MPs to stage violence and shift blame to leaders aligned with the opposition.
Responding to President Ruto’s visibly emotional tone during his speech earlier in the day, Gachagua added:
“I saw the president wailing in anger this morning. But Mr. President, that’s not the solution. The people of Kenya are angrier than you are.”
He concluded by calling on Ruto to fulfil his campaign pledges: “You cannot now say previous presidents failed. You are the one who made the promises now give the hustlers the jobs you promised them.”
