Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has publicly dismissed allegations linking him to the financing of the recent anti-government protests, describing the claims as baseless and politically motivated.
In a strongly-worded TV interview, Gachagua challenged state authorities to present evidence or make arrests if they truly had intelligence tying him or others to the unrest.
“If they had intelligence that goons had been paid by Rigathi or anybody else, why didn’t they arrest these goons?” Gachagua posed.
His remarks come in the wake of statements by Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen and Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, who claimed that unnamed politicians were allegedly behind the chaos that rocked several towns during the June 25 demonstrations.
The protests, largely led by Gen Z activists across Kenya, turned chaotic in some regions, prompting a fierce crackdown by police. Over 10 lives were lost, according to government reports, though civil society groups have called for independent investigations into the response by security forces.
Gachagua has maintained a relatively low public profile in recent months after his falling-out with President William Ruto, and the allegations have further fueled speculation about growing rifts within the Kenya Kwanza coalition.
“These claims are politically convenient, but they are not based on facts. If anyone has proof, let them present it in court,” he said.
