Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has denied allegations that he was the driving force behind last year’s wave of anti-government protests led by Gen Z.
The protests compelled President William Ruto to reject the Finance Bill 2024 and implement radical policy changes within his Kenya Kwanza government, including dissolving his Cabinet.
Gachagua stated that while he is not the leader of Gen Z, he supports their call for a better Kenya free from all forms of injustice.
Speaking in a wide-ranging interview on Tuesday morning, Gachagua claimed that those accusing him of orchestrating the Gen Z protests were merely seeking grounds to remove him from office.
He alleged that the accusations were part of a scheme to portray him as a rebel opposing the Kenya Kwanza government, thereby paving the way for his impeachment.
According to Gachagua, the protests were also fueled by state operatives who sought to undermine him for advocating the unity of the Mt Kenya region.
“I did not lead Gen Z, nor am I their leader, but they are our good children and will play a significant role in the 2027 elections,” Gachagua said.
Addressing the Mulembe Nation, Gachagua emphasized that young people will have a decisive influence in the 2027 general election—provided they register as voters.
“I am not their leader, but they are good children, and I support their cause. However, they must move beyond the internet and register as voters,” he urged.
“The leadership of this country will be determined by Gen Z if they register to vote,” he reiterated.
At the height of the protests, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations launched an investigation into Gachagua’s alleged involvement, along with that of his allies, in the Gen Z-led anti-government demonstrations.
Some of Gachagua's allies were summoned by the DCI to record statements about their role in the anti-government protests.
