Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has issued a seven-day ultimatum to President William Ruto, demanding an immediate reduction in fuel prices. During a political rally in Dagoretti on Saturday, April 18, 2026, the former deputy president warned of nationwide protests and a total country shutdown if the government fails to comply.
Gachagua accused the president of betraying his campaign pledges and further straining the finances of ordinary Kenyans with high energy costs. Despite recent government efforts to lower VAT on fuel, Gachagua maintains that the interventions fall short of providing real relief.
“He lied that he would put money in people’s pockets, instead, he took the little that was there. He increased the price of petrol. We are giving you seven days to remove that thirty shillings on fuel; if you don’t, we will shut down this country,” he declared.
Gachagua further lambasted recent comments from President Ruto regarding boda boda operators, describing the Head of State as completely disconnected from the daily struggles of Kenyans. Shifting his focus to the healthcare sector, the DCP leader argued that the government’s medical system has collapsed, leaving citizens with no choice but to rely on constant community fundraisers to cover basic bills.
“A person who says motorcycles use kerosene is not normal. If you want to help patients, go to Kenyatta National Hospital…they have no food and no medicine,” Gachagua asserted.
He specifically targeted the Social Health Authority (SHA), claiming its failure has forced leaders into a relentless cycle of weekend harambees to assist desperate patients.
“We have harambees every weekend because SHA is not working. We respect Ruto, but we are not afraid of him. We want him to go back to Sugoi,” he added.
The former Deputy President also unveiled a new political offensive titled “Operation Fagia,” a campaign specifically designed to unseat President Ruto’s key allies. Gachagua maintained that his mission requires a complete political overhaul, insisting that voters must remove every associate of the President to ensure a clean break from the current administration.
“I have launched an operation called ‘Fagia.’ All those who are with Ruto must be swept out. When we kill a snake, we break its eggs too,” he declared.
