Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has disclosed that he advised President William Ruto to avoid using excessive force during the Gen Z protests on June 25, 2024, when demonstrators stormed Parliament.
Gachagua revealed that he cautioned the President that a heavy-handed police response could escalate tensions and deepen mistrust between young citizens and the government.
The protests, largely mobilized via social media by frustrated youth, were triggered by rising living costs and proposed fiscal policies.
Thousands of demonstrators gathered in Nairobi and other major towns, some breaching Parliament’s security barriers.
The unrest marked a dramatic moment in Kenya’s recent political history, as law enforcement responded with tear gas, water cannons, and, in some cases, live ammunition, resulting in injuries and fatalities. Human rights groups widely condemned the violent handling of the protests.
Speaking on the events, Gachagua emphasized that dialogue and structured engagement would have been a more sustainable approach.
He argued that the protesters’ grievances deserved to be addressed through conversation and policy review rather than confrontation. His revelation positions him as an advocate for restraint, though it remains unclear how his advice was received within the executive.
Government officials at the time defended the security response, claiming law enforcement acted to protect critical national institutions.
Political analysts note that Gachagua’s remarks add a new dimension to ongoing discussions about accountability, youth engagement, and police reform.
As Kenya continues to navigate the long-term implications of the June 25 unrest, his comments highlight the importance of measured responses during periods of civil unrest and the evolving discourse on governance in the country.
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Politics