Gachagua Responds to Arrest Calls, Blames State for June 25 Chaos

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has launched a scathing counterattack against the government after several pro-government lawmakers demanded his arrest over the June 25 protests. 

In a bold 18-point statement released Thursday, June 26, Gachagua denied inciting violence and instead blamed the Kenyan state for sponsoring chaos, using excessive police force, and targeting businesses based on ethnicity. 

“I condemn in the strongest terms possible the use of excessive force and live bullets by the police on peaceful and unarmed Gen Z protesters,” he said. 

“It Was a State Plot.” Gachagua Alleges. 

According to Gachagua, the government deliberately blocked key protest routes like Thika Road and Kiambu Road to trap peaceful demonstrators while hired goons caused havoc in the CBD. 

He alleged the violence was not spontaneous, it was planned and executed by state-linked operatives, with businesses in certain areas targeted based on their owners’ ethnic background. 

“We have credible information that downtown Nairobi businesses belonging to a certain community were mapped and looted with county officials’ help,” he stated. 

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen had earlier claimed the protests were not peaceful, calling them acts of terror and accusing organizers of attempting to topple the government. 

“This was chaos disguised as dissent. There was looting, sexual assault, and destruction of property,” Murkomen said. 

He added that criminals stole firearms from two police stations in Kiambu County and were targeting police armouries. 

But Gachagua hit back, accusing the CS of pushing false and divisive claims to justify a crackdown on legitimate dissent. 

In a symbolic move, Gachagua canceled all scheduled media appearances in Embu to mourn those who died during the protests. 

He accused the government of using “outdated intimidation tactics” to silence young voices, noting that Gen Z protesters represent a rising demand for accountability and justice. 

The confrontation between Gachagua and government officials highlights Kenya’s deepening political rift. While the government calls for arrests, Gachagua insists he is being scapegoated for speaking out. 

The real questions remain: Who truly orchestrated the violence, and will justice be served for the lives lost on June 25?