Wamuzi News Ke
A faction of pro-government lawmakers Thursday called for the immediate arrest of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of inciting and orchestrating violence during the June 25 protests in Nairobi.
During a high-tension press briefing in Nairobi, led by Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa, the MPs alleged that Gachagua has mobilised “goons from Central Kenya” to target and destroy properties in the Nairobi Central Business District—including homes and businesses belonging to political opponents.
“Our former impeached DP has been mobilising resources and goons to destroy government properties and target businesses of people who do not support his ideas,” said Barasa, urging authorities to act swiftly.
MPs Link June 25 Violence to Political Machinations
Rongo MP Mark Nyamita echoed Barasa’s claims, asserting that the protests—originally intended to commemorate last year’s Gen Z anti-Finance Bill demonstrations—were hijacked by politically motivated troublemakers with the intent to destabilise Kenya. He urged Kenyans to instead pursue change through the ballot box in the 2027 elections.
Migori Women Representative Fatuma Zainab went further, accusing the unrest of representing an attempted coup. She warned that those behind the demonstrations risked severe legal repercussions.
Protest Background and Aftermath
The protests, held on June 25 to mark the anniversary of last year’s deadly finance bill riots, spiralled into widespread unrest after clashes broke out between armed protesters and police forces. According to Amnesty Kenya, at least eight people were shot and more than 400 injured—83 of them severely requiring hospitalisation.
Although the demonstrations began peacefully, confrontations escalated, resulting in looted shops, burning vehicles, and overturned market structures in the Nairobi CBD .
Political Flashpoint and National Stability
The MPs’ demand for Gachagua’s arrest raises the stakes significantly. If formally lodged, charges of incitement and organised violence against a high-profile political figure could deepen existing political fault lines and escalate tensions across the country.
Crucially, it places President Ruto and law enforcement before a stark choice: whether to respond decisively against a former senior official—or risk widespread perception of political hypocrisy and selective justice.
