Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has appealed to Gen Z protesters to stay away from the planned June 25 demonstrations, warning that the protests could turn deadly due to what he described as credible information about planned violence and state-backed disruptions.
Speaking ahead of the anniversary protests, Gachagua said he feared that young people could lose their lives if they take to the streets. He urged them to consider alternative ways of expressing their dissatisfaction with the government.
“Retreat is not surrender and strategy is not cowardice,” Gachagua said. “We need these young people alive to help transform this country through the ballot next year.”
Claims of State-Sponsored Violence Raise Concerns
The former Deputy President alleged that the government had organized violence through the deployment of police officers and hired gangs to infiltrate demonstrations.
According to him, the groups would be used to create chaos, destroy property and provide justification for a heavy police response.
Gachagua accused senior government officials of issuing threats ahead of the protests and claimed that authorities were preparing for a violent crackdown on demonstrators.
He argued that previous demonstrations had followed a similar pattern, where criminal elements allegedly worked alongside security forces before police intervened against protesters.
“The state has organized very serious violence,” he said, adding that innocent Kenyans risked being injured, killed or having their property destroyed.
Instead of street demonstrations, Gachagua called on Kenyans to stage a nationwide stay-at-home protest. He urged business owners, workers, motorists and families to remain indoors on June 25 to avoid exposing themselves to potential danger.
He specifically advised businesses in Nairobi, the Mt Kenya region, Kajiado and Narok to remain closed and make arrangements to protect their premises from possible vandalism.
Parents Urged to Keep Children Indoors
Gachagua also appealed to parents to ensure children remain indoors throughout the day, citing concerns about stray bullets and violence during protests.
He referenced past incidents where innocent bystanders, including children, were harmed during demonstrations and warned that similar risks could emerge if unrest escalates.
According to Gachagua, a nationwide shutdown would send a strong political message without exposing citizens to violence.
“If all Kenyans stayed at home, we would have made a very big statement,” he said. “Stop the country, stop the economy. That is a very effective way of protest.”
