Is Rigathi Gachagua Plotting to Topple the Government?
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has firmly rejected claims that he is working to unseat President William Ruto through unconstitutional means. Speaking during his U.S. tour, Gachagua responded to recent accusations from Ruto allies that he is behind anti-government protests aimed at destabilizing the administration.
“Nobody wants change [leadership] unconstitutionally, nobody wants to overthrow the government, and nobody wants to do that, and it is not necessary. We want change through the ballot on the 10th of August 2027,” he said.
His remarks came days after President Ruto issued a stern warning to those allegedly plotting to remove him from office. “I want to tell those characters giving us lectures that they can change this administration using violence and unlawful means before 2027, let them try,” Ruto declared.
What Are Gachagua’s Concerns About Human Rights and Security Orders?
Gachagua strongly criticized the government’s handling of recent protests, specifically calling out directives he views as human rights violations. “But the worst of all, is the gross violation of human rights, that is where nobody can believe it,” he stated, referring to Ruto’s “shoot them on the leg” order and the “shoot to kill” statements by Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen and Belgut MP Nelson Koech.
He also alleged that a notorious gang leader with past criminal cases had charges dropped as a reward for inciting unrest during protests. “He had a criminal case in Makadara, it was withdrawn to ‘thank him’ for a job ‘well done’,” Gachagua claimed.
What Is the One-Term Movement and His Stance on Dialogue?
Gachagua reaffirmed his commitment to the growing “Wantam” (one-term) movement, which seeks to block the Kenya Kwanza administration from securing re-election. “Kenyans have decided, and not just the Mt Kenya people, across the country 90% of the country cannot wait, it is one term,” he declared.
He also dismissed Raila Odinga’s push for a national dialogue, claiming it’s a distraction orchestrated by the current regime. “I heard Raila Odinga saying we should have dialogue, we should have a national conclave, we discuss. What has happened is that old man (Raila) has been sent by Ruto to create a diversion to slow down the Wantam momentum,” said Gachagua.
Responding to Raila’s suggestion that “Riggy G cannot be the solution,” Gachagua said, “No Riggy G is not the solution, I have never said I’m the solution, I can’t be the solution. The solution is one one-term. You cannot stop it where it has reached, it can’t be stopped.”
While in Seattle, Gachagua concluded by urging Kenyans in the diaspora to continue supporting the country’s economy. “Number one foreign exchange earner for our country are diaspora remittances to our country. You people are our very serious partners in our economic development,” he said.
By Lucky Anyanje
