Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has refuted claims that he was the mastermind behind last year’s wave of anti-government protests led by Gen Z. The protests, which led to President William Ruto rejecting the Finance Bill 2024 and dissolving his Cabinet, were widely seen as a turning point in Kenya’s political landscape.
In a candid interview on Tuesday morning, Gachagua dismissed the allegations as a ploy by political opponents to engineer his removal from office. He maintained that while he did not lead the Gen Z protests, he fully supports their call for justice and a better Kenya.
“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. He further claimed that accusations of his involvement were part of a broader scheme to paint him as a dissenter within the Kenya Kwanza government, thereby justifying attempts to impeach him.
The former deputy president also alleged that certain state operatives had fueled the protests in a bid to discredit him for advocating the unity of the Mt Kenya region.
Despite denying any leadership role in the protests, Gachagua acknowledged the impact of the youth-led movement, particularly its role in forcing President Ruto’s government to implement drastic policy changes. He emphasized that young people would be instrumental in shaping Kenya’s political future, particularly in the upcoming 2027 general election.
Addressing the Mulembe Nation, Gachagua urged Gen Z to translate their online activism into electoral power by registering 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 stated.
His remarks come amid reports that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) had launched an inquiry into his alleged involvement in the protests. Several of his allies were summoned by the DCI to provide statements regarding their role in the demonstrations.
Gachagua’s comments signal a growing recognition of the influence of Kenya’s youth in political affairs. With their ability to mobilize and drive change, Gen Z has emerged as a powerful political force capable of reshaping the country’s leadership landscape. Whether they heed Gachagua’s call to register as voters remains to be seen, but their impact on the next election is undeniable.
