Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has dismissed growing allegations by President William Ruto’s allies that he is plotting to overthrow the government through unconstitutional means.
While addressing Kenyans in the United States on his ongoing diaspora tour, Gachagua reaffirmed his commitment to the rule of law and peaceful political change, stating that the Kenya Kwanza administration will be voted out in the 2027 General Election—not through violence.
“Nobody wants to overthrow the government… We want change through the ballot on the 10th of August 2027,” Gachagua said.
His remarks come days after President Ruto warned unnamed politicians allegedly plotting to oust him, saying they would face the full force of the law.
“Let them try,” Ruto said on July 9, insisting he would crush any unconstitutional attempts to remove him.
Gachagua Slams ‘Shoot-to-Kill’ Orders
The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader also lashed out at recent government directives on handling protests, describing them as a gross violation of human rights.
Gachagua singled out Ruto’s infamous “shoot them on the leg” command, and similar remarks by Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen and Belgut MP Nelson Koech, calling them unacceptable and excessive.
“Nobody can believe it—those shoot-to-kill orders,” said Gachagua.
He also alleged that a notorious gang leader from the 1990s, previously facing charges in Makadara Law Courts, had his case mysteriously withdrawn as a reward for helping disrupt peaceful protests.
Raila Odinga and the ‘Diversion Tactic’
Gachagua didn’t spare opposition leader Raila Odinga, accusing him of being used by Ruto to slow down the momentum of the Wantam Movement—a grassroots campaign aimed at ensuring Ruto serves only one term.
“That old man (Raila) has been sent by Ruto to create a diversion… Wantam cannot be stopped,” Gachagua remarked.
He criticized Odinga for repeatedly engaging in failed dialogues with multiple administrations, arguing that such discussions rarely deliver tangible change.
“I am not the solution. The solution is one—one term,” Gachagua added.
