Alleged Plan to Harm Peaceful Protesters
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has raised serious concerns about the upcoming June 25 demonstrations.
In a bold and emotional interview on Monday, June 16, 2025, he claimed that top government officials are planning a dangerous plot to hurt peaceful protesters.
He further said these leaders want to secretly hire violent gangs to join the protests. According to him, the goal of these gangs would be to create chaos and injure or kill young demonstrators who come out peacefully.
Thugs Allegedly Coming from Umoja and Kayole
Gachagua did not shy away from naming places. He claimed the so-called “goons” would be hired from Umoja, Kayole, and other nearby estates.
“I’m really worried,” he said.
“If our young people—our Gen Z—take to the streets, the government will send criminals to kill them. These thugs will be brought in with help from the Nairobi Governor, and I fear for the lives of our children,” he added.
History of Violence at Protests
He went on to say that these same gangs have been used in the past to disrupt other events and public protests. According to Gachagua, this is not the first time thugs have been paid to cause violence.
He also described the upcoming protest as a “slaughterhouse” waiting to happen, urging families to think twice before letting their loved ones attend.
“I am pleading with parents. Don’t allow your children to go out on June 25. This protest is a trap. It’s designed to lure innocent people and then attack them,” he said.
Warning Against a ‘Set Up’
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Gachagua believes the protest is not just a peaceful event. He claims it is a setup by the government to create an excuse for state violence.
He said the protest might be used to make it look like demonstrators are causing trouble, just to justify a brutal police response.
“President Ruto and his people are desperate,” he said. “And that is very dangerous. I feel deeply hurt when I see blood spilled on our streets. These young people are not strangers—they are our children. I beg them, please don’t go out on that day.”
Looking Back at June 25, 2024
This year’s protest falls on the anniversary of the anti-tax demonstrations that rocked the country on June 25, 2024.
Those protests, mostly led by Gen Z youth, were so intense that the government was forced to withdraw the controversial Finance Bill 2024. Since then, June 25 has become a symbol of youth activism in Kenya.
Mixed Reactions from the Public
Gachagua’s warning has caused a storm online and offline. Some Kenyans believe he is truly worried about the safety of young people, while others see his words as an attempt to stop people from protesting.
As the protest date draws closer, many are wondering:
- Is the warning a real safety alert?
- Or is it a political strategy to slow down the Gen Z movement?
One thing is clear—the nation is watching, and emotions are high as June 25 approaches.
