Former Deputy President and Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has strongly denied allegations that he is plotting to unseat President William Ruto through unconstitutional means. The accusations were sparked by remarks from Ruto and his allies, who claimed that Gachagua is using nationwide protests as a strategy to stage a political coup.
While on a tour of the United States, Gachagua rejected these claims, stating unequivocally that the push for change will be through democratic elections in 2027.
“Nobody wants to overthrow the government or use unconstitutional means. We want change through the ballot on August 10, 2027,” Gachagua affirmed.
His remarks come in response to President Ruto’s July 9 warning against any attempts to unseat his administration before the end of his term. The President accused unnamed individuals of plotting a violent ouster, promising stern action.
Gachagua also criticized the government’s recent use of force in response to youth-led protests, calling it a gross violation of human rights. He condemned President Ruto’s “shoot them on the leg” directive, as well as “shoot to kill” orders allegedly issued by Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen and Belgut MP Nelson Koech.
“But the worst of all is the gross violation of human rights. Nobody can believe it,” Gachagua said, highlighting growing concerns over police brutality.
The former Deputy President further alleged that a controversial gang leader had criminal charges dropped as a reward for inciting protest violence, though he did not provide concrete evidence.
Gachagua also used his platform to amplify the Wantam (“One Term”) movement, which aims to block President Ruto from securing a second term. According to him, the movement has gained national traction.
“Kenyans have decided — not just the Mt. Kenya region, but across the country — 90% cannot wait. It is one term,” he declared.
In a sharp jab at opposition leader Raila Odinga, Gachagua dismissed recent calls for national dialogue as a political distraction engineered by the government.
“Raila has been sent by Ruto to slow down the Wantam momentum,” he claimed, adding that past dialogues have failed to deliver lasting change.
In closing, the DCP leader appealed to Kenyans in the diaspora to continue supporting the economy through remittances, praising them as key partners in national development.
“You are our most serious economic partners. Diaspora remittances are the number one foreign exchange earner for our country,” he said in Seattle.
Gachagua’s statements have added fuel to an already heated political climate, as Kenya inches closer to what promises to be a highly contested 2027 general election.
