Gachagua Dismisses Ruto’s Claims of Plot to Overthrow Government

 

By Ernest Bandi 

 Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has strongly dismissed claims by President William Ruto that ongoing protests are part of a plot to overthrow the government, calling the accusations baseless and politically motivated.

Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, Gachagua said that the movement he supports—dubbed Wantam—is committed to peaceful and democratic change, not unconstitutional actions.

“No one wants to overthrow your government,” Gachagua said in a direct message to President Ruto. “We have always said we want to remove you from power through the ballot, not through illegal means.”

His remarks came just hours after President Ruto issued a stern warning during a police housing project launch in Nairobi, accusing unnamed political leaders of sponsoring chaos in an effort to destabilize the country.

“I’ve been patient, but now I’m warning those trying to remove me through unconstitutional methods—it won’t happen,” said Ruto. “We’re coming for you.”

But Gachagua fired back, accusing the President of using national security rhetoric as a pretext to suppress dissent and silence critics. He warned that such tactics would only deepen public frustration.

“The story you’re telling is just to give yourself a reason to use force on people who don’t agree with you,” he said. “You want to use anti-terror laws to go after specific communities and opposition voices.”

In a bold allegation, Gachagua claimed that some of the violence and property destruction seen during the Saba Saba protests on July 7 may have been orchestrated by state agents themselves to discredit the opposition.

“There’s reason to believe the government staged some of that chaos to damage the economy and pin it on us,” he alleged.

He also urged President Ruto to focus on addressing the real issues facing Kenyans—particularly unemployment and the cost of living—rather than deflecting blame.

“The President was shouting in anger, but that won’t help,” Gachagua said. “Kenyans are more frustrated than you. Fulfill the promises you made—especially to the youth.”

The escalating war of words marks a new phase in the political tensions that have gripped the country in recent months, as economic hardship and a disillusioned public continue to fuel demonstrations across several counties.