Gachagua claims state-backed goons planned to disrupt Gen Z protests

Impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader has urged Gen Z protesters to stay away from Thursday’s, June 25, 2026 planned demonstrations, alleging that the State is planning to interfere in the protests through the deployment of hired gangs to disrupt public gatherings in several parts of the country.

Speaking to the media today from his Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri county, Gachagua claimed he was compelled to speak out following what he described as intelligence reports indicating a coordinated scheme to unleash goons in selected counties during the Gen Z commemoration protests.

Gachagua then made a passionate call for a nationwide stay-at-home protest, framing it as a more powerful and safer alternative to street demonstrations.

“I ask all Kenyans on Thursday, to stay indoors, stay at home, and avoid the state-sponsored militia organised by Kipchumba Murkomen, who is ruthless. There is no need for you to make a point, then you end up in a casket,” he said.

“I wished to address myself on the planned Gen Z commemoration protests. During the last two demos, lives were lost and businesses were destroyed. To those whose lives have been lost over the last four years, this is not what 55 million Kenyans envisioned,” he said.

He further alleged that a senior Cabinet secretary had previously made remarks suggesting that demonstrations would be confined to the Mt Kenya region, which he interpreted as evidence of a broader plan to influence the protests.

“A very notorious CS and warmonger stated that demos would only be witnessed in Mt Kenya. This is not just a statement from nowhere,” Gachagua said.

The former Deputy President went on to accuse Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, Nakuru Senator Tabitha Karanja Kihika and other unnamed individuals of orchestrating the mobilisation and financing of goons allegedly intended to disrupt the protests.

“I have intelligence that Murkomen, Omollo, Kihika and others have organised goons to cause mayhem in Mt Kenya. Two hundred million shillings was withdrawn today in Upperhill from the Interior account, meant to finance goons for Thursday,” he claimed.

Gachagua also alleged that senior police officers had raised concerns over instructions to stand down and allow the alleged gangs to operate freely during the demonstrations.

“Senior police officers have told us they are uncomfortable with instructions that they should keep away and let goons cause chaos in the region,” he said.

He further claimed that the alleged operation was being coordinated by what he termed the “Nairobi Sierra Squad” under the Interior Ministry, with specific political strongholds being targeted for blame in the aftermath of the protests.

“I have been informed that DCP strongholds have been targeted so that the leader can be blamed alongside leaders who support him,” he said.

Gachagua also dismissed recent explanations by Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen regarding the presence of violent groups during past protests, saying the government had failed to adequately account for their activities.

Turning to the Gen Z movement, the DCP leader urged protesters to stay away from the streets on Thursday, insisting that restraint was necessary to avoid further loss of life and destruction of property.

“I would kindly appeal to the Gen Zs to keep off the streets on Thursday. We need them next year. Retreat is not surrender and it is not cowardice. There is a better way to deal with Ruto constitutionally,” he said.

He also extended his appeal to business owners, motorists and residents in Nairobi, the Mount Kenya region, Kajiado and Narok to remain at home, close businesses and avoid travel during the planned demonstrations.

Gachagua maintained that what he termed “state-backed goons” posed a serious threat to peaceful protesters, alleging that the groups operate under police protection during unrest before disappearing after causing chaos.

“Kipchumba Murkomen cannot condemn the goons, because he is the one who has hired them and is paying them. They come under the protection of police, cause mayhem, disappear under their protection, and they are left killing innocent Kenyans,” he said.

“Please my sons and daughters, you cannot vote when you are dead,” he added.