Democracy for Citizens Party leader and ex-Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua condemned the government saying it uses the “coup plot” story to divert attention from its shortcomings as frustration grows nationwide.
Speaking during a Sunday service at the Anglican Church of Kenya Diocese in Nyahururu, Laikipia County, Gachagua insisted he was not involved in the destruction seen on June 25 during protests led by young people in various parts of the country.
“I had no role in the destruction. It is the government that bears full responsibility for what happened. These accusations are part of a calculated scheme to paint me and other leaders in bad light, especially in our own backyard,” Gachagua said.
“There was no coup. What we saw was the youth standing up against oppression and bad governance. The coup narrative is just a convenient excuse to avoid addressing the real issues raised by the young people,” he continued.
Gachagua accused the government of using tactics meant to instill fear instead of talking with Gen Z protesters. He commended these young Kenyans for their courage in facing a flawed system and called them patriots.
Wantam’ Is a National Outcry, Not Just Mt Kenya’s, Gachagua Says
He restated his political goals sharing that he works with “like-minded leaders” across the country to create a national movement. He aims to free Kenya from what he called entrenched corruption and poor governance.
The former Deputy President at the same time rejected the idea that the now-famous “wantam” slogan is being driven solely by the Mt Kenya region. He emphasized that this message resonates with Kenyans everywhere.
Gachagua criticized those trying to tie the one-term campaign sentiment to Mt Kenya. He argued that dissatisfaction with the current leadership extends far beyond a single region or community.
“As I finish, let me say this issue of wantam is not ours alone. Just yesterday, I saw Kisii people saying ‘wantam’; I saw people from Taita Taveta saying ‘wantam’,” he said.
