Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has issued a strongly worded statement condemning the government’s handling of nationwide protests sparked by the death of Albert Ojwang, a young Kenyan who allegedly died in police custody.
Gachagua described today as "one of the lowest moments in post-independence Kenya," accusing the current administration of turning the country into an "international shame" through what he termed as "uncivilized and brutal suppression" of peaceful demonstrators.
“Young people and patriotic Kenyans expressing themselves on the death of an innocent Albert Ojwang have been beaten up, their property destroyed, and lives lost,” he said, calling out the police and what he alleged were “state-sponsored goons” for attacking demonstrators under full media coverage.
Gachagua decried the shooting of a hawker selling masks during the protests, questioning the police’s methods and intentions. “What police training is this? This is as if the brutal murder of Albert Ojwang in police custody isn't enough,” he added.
The former deputy president claimed that he had previously warned of a plan by President William Ruto, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, and other state officials to unleash violence on demonstrators. “This has come to pass,” he said. “What is this obsession with the blood of young people?”
He challenged the government to explain why no action has been taken against the perpetrators of violence. “Whom of those criminals who meted violence on Kenyans today have been arrested?” he posed.
In a passionate appeal, Gachagua urged the President to listen to the cries of the people, quoting scripture: “I continue to remind you what God told Cain after he killed his brother Abel — ‘Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the soil.’”
The statement has ignited further debate over the government’s response to public dissent and the growing anger among Kenya’s youth, many of whom have taken to the streets under the banner of Gen Z activism demanding justice and accountability.
The government has yet to issue a formal response to Gachagua’s remarks.
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