Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has urged Gen Zs to skip the planned protests on Thursday, claiming that the State was planning to unleash terror on demonstrators.
The leader of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) said he had credible information that political leaders had mobilised goons to infiltrate peaceful demonstrations and cause mayhem.
Speaking at his home in Wamunyoro, Nyeri County, on Tuesday, Mr Gachagua alleged that state officials had set aside millions of shillings to finance the goons, who he claimed would be deployed to disrupt demonstrations in Nairobi and the Mt Kenya region.
He accused Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, and other leaders allied to President William Ruto of planning to incite violence during the protests and blame it on the opposition.
The motive behind causing chaos in opposition areas, particularly in the Mt Kenya region, is to create the narrative that only residents in those areas oppose President Ruto’s administration, Mr Gachagua said.
"We are aware that Sh200 million was withdrawn this morning from a bank in upper Hill for mobilising goons to unleash terror in the Mt Kenya region and Nairobi. Police have been ordered to escort the goons at night and matatus hired from notorious goons," he said.
Mr Gachagua claimed that senior police officers had told him they had been instructed not to intervene while hired groups caused destruction, and that they would later arrest members of the public and charge them under anti-terrorism laws.
"These officers have told us in confidence that they are very uncomfortable with the instructions that they have been given by Kipchumba Murkomen,” he added.
However, the former Deputy President did not provide evidence to support these claims.
On Sunday, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki warned that the government would not tolerate attempts to exploit the planned protests for looting and property destruction, stating that stern action would be taken against lawbreakers.
The Deputy President said that there would be no room for lawbreakers to commit crimes under the guise of demonstrations, noting that the Constitution protects everyone, including those not participating.
“On Thursday, there will be no room for monkey business anywhere in the republic of Kenya. No one will threaten us from protecting Kenyans who are busy in their businesses, travelling or going about their trade away from the demonstrations,” DP said.
Prof Kindiki spoke in Kapsang in Soy Constituency, Uasin Gishu County where he attended an interdenominational church service and presided over a fundraiser for 19 churches.
“Demonstrations are permitted by the Constitution. But there will be no space for anyone to infringe on the rights of others, to loot and attack other Kenyans. Everyone will be protected, those participating in the demonstrations and everyone else not participating,” he added.
During his address at his Wamunyoro residence, where he met a delegation of leaders from Kiambu County, Mr Gachagua said that he feared for the lives of young Kenyans and urged them not to take to the streets.
His remarks came ahead of planned demonstrations by Gen Z activists, who have continued to organise protests over governance, accountability, and economic concerns.
The DCP leader appealed to young Kenyans to reconsider the demonstrations, saying that their safety should be their priority.
"Retreat is not surrender. There is a constitutional way of dealing with the government through the ballot next year," he said.
He urged Kenyans who are dissatisfied with the current administration to express their views during the 2027 General Election, rather than risking their lives by protesting in the streets.
Mr Gachagua also called on business owners in Nairobi and the Mt Kenya region to remain vigilant, alleging that people from outside the regions had been brought in to cause destruction during the demonstrations.
"Do not allow people from outside your communities to destroy your businesses and homes," he said.
