Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has urged Kenyans to stay away from the streets during the June 25 Gen Z commemorations, citing fears of violence, loss of life and destruction of property by goons.
Speaking in Wamunyoro after hosting Kiambu MCA aspirants, Gachagua appealed to Kenyans to remain peaceful and avoid demonstrations, claiming there were plans by goons to infiltrate towns and cause chaos during the commemorations.
“I ask all Kenyans to keep off the streets, to keep off towns, to keep off cities and stay at home,” he said.
Gachagua said the country's Constitution provides a mechanism for citizens to express their political choices through the ballot, urging those dissatisfied with the current administration to channel their efforts towards the electoral process instead of protests.
“Let everybody stay at home. Let us not give an opportunity for loss of life and destruction of businesses. It is pointless. It does not make sense,” he said.
The former Deputy President claimed that some people from outside local communities could be brought into towns to cause disturbances and destroy property.
“In our towns here in the mountain, the people who are being brought to cause havoc are from outside. Be on the lookout for outsiders. Don't allow people to destroy your towns and villages. Everybody knows each other,” he said.
He maintained that while many Kenyans may feel aggrieved by the state of affairs in the country, the solution lies in exercising their democratic rights during elections.
“The Constitution has provided an opportunity through the ballot to deal with any administration. Let us take advantage of the constitutional mechanism that has been unveiled to the people of Kenya,” he said.
According to Gachagua, confrontations during demonstrations often leave ordinary citizens bearing the greatest cost through injuries, deaths and destruction of businesses.
“The battle is not worth destruction of our businesses because the Constitution has provided a very elaborate mechanism to deal with any administration,” he said.
The DCP leader acknowledged that some people may interpret his call as a retreat from activism but insisted that preserving lives should take precedence.
“I know many Kenyans will get disappointed that we look like we are giving up. We are just being human. This cause is not worth losing human life,” he said.
He urged Kenyans to remain patient and focus on participating in the democratic process.
“Let us all be patient. Let us suppress our anger. We will have sufficient opportunity next year,” he said.
Gachagua also called on citizens to prioritise voter registration, describing it as the most effective avenue for influencing the country's future leadership.
“I want to ask the people of Kenya to be good citizens, to be peaceful and to register as voters. This is the only way they can redeem their dignity and their safety. It is the only way they can have good governance,” he said.
He added that DCP remains committed to pursuing change through peaceful and lawful means.
“As for me and my party, the DCP, I want to confirm that we are all abiding citizens and we are peaceful people. I have always advocated for change,” Gachagua said.
