Gachagua Fires Back at Ruto, Urges Calm and Voter Mobilization in Nationwide Address

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua delivered a fiery address to the nation on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, just hours after President William Ruto’s remarks during the launch of an affordable housing project in Kilimani, Nairobi. Speaking at a press conference in Karen, Nairobi, the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader responded to Ruto’s accusations of opposition-led anarchy, dismissed claims of plotting to overthrow the government, and called for restraint amid escalating political tensions.

In his address, Gachagua urged President Ruto to address the root causes of widespread discontent rather than responding with anger. “Mr. President, I say this with a lot of humility: please stop being angry. The people of Kenya are far more angry than you are,” Gachagua stated, emphasizing the public’s frustration over issues such as rampant corruption, abductions, extrajudicial killings, and ethnic profiling. He called for the restoration of the middle class through policies like abolishing the Housing Levy to “give dignity to the payslip” and create jobs for the youth.

Gachagua rejected Ruto’s claims that opposition leaders were orchestrating protests to unseat him unconstitutionally, labeling them a narrative created to deflect from public demands for reform. “Nobody wants to overthrow your government. We want to face you on the ballot in August 2027, so just relax,” he said, laughing off allegations of a coup and urging Kenyans to prepare for the 2027 elections. He specifically appealed to Generation Z to register as voters to “deal with Ruto at the ballot” rather than risk their lives in street protests.

The former deputy president also made explosive allegations, accusing Ruto’s allies, including Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah, of stage-managing attacks on police stations during the June 25, 2025, protests to frame opposition leaders and justify harsh charges under anti-terrorism laws. “How do you explain that unarmed people can walk into a police station and take over from armed officers? It was all stage-managed by the MP for Kikuyu,” Gachagua claimed, echoing similar accusations from June 29.

Gachagua further alleged that individuals close to Ruto attempted to block his planned trip to the United States on Wednesday evening, where he intends to engage Kenyans in the diaspora about the state of the nation. “I have been threatened by people close to Ruto who called my team today, saying they will stop me from leaving the country,” he said defiantly. “If you want to arrest me at the airport, go ahead. You cannot sell fear to us.” Despite the threats, Gachagua confirmed his intention to board the flight, though he vowed to return if the situation in Kenya worsens.

The DCP leader also announced plans to establish a legal support network for young protesters facing what he called “trumped-up charges of terrorism” following recent demonstrations, including the Saba Saba protests. He accused the government of using a state-backed militia to incite violence and pin blame on communities critical of the administration.

Gachagua’s address comes amid a deepening political crisis and growing opposition momentum, with the former deputy president positioning himself as a key figure in the anti-Ruto movement. His remarks follow a series of public engagements, including a recent tour of Western Kenya with opposition leaders like Kalonzo Musyoka, aimed at rallying support against Ruto’s administration ahead of the 2027 elections.

As tensions rise, Gachagua’s call for voter mobilization and his allegations of state-orchestrated violence have intensified the political divide, setting the stage for a contentious battle in the lead-up to the next general election.