Gachagua Denies Claims of Plotting to Overthrow Ruto’s Government
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has firmly denied allegations made by President William Ruto that there are efforts underway to remove his government through a series of nationwide demonstrations.
Speaking during a press briefing on Wednesday, July 8, Gachagua dismissed the President’s claims and clarified that any political movement pushing for change was doing so within the limits of the law.
He stressed that no one is interested in overthrowing the government illegally, and any attempt to unseat Ruto would only happen through the ballot box.
“We want to make it very clear that the Wantam movement is not trying to force you out of power unlawfully. No one is plotting a coup.
I, along with those I work with, have publicly said that if we want to remove you from the presidency, we will do so through a legal, democratic election,” Gachagua stated.
Earlier that same day, President Ruto had lashed out while launching the Police Housing Project at Kilimani Police Station in Nairobi. Visibly frustrated, Ruto accused unnamed political figures of fuelling protests since June, warning that the state would take firm action against those who he claimed were destabilizing the country with unconstitutional tactics.
“I’ve been patient and kept quiet as these individuals have attempted to change the government through unlawful means—but I’ve had enough,” Ruto declared. “We will not permit this anymore. We are coming after you.
Anyone plotting to oust me before 2027 must know we will not allow them to ruin Kenya through illegal actions,” he warned.
Responding to the President’s outburst, Gachagua claimed that Ruto was intentionally creating a false narrative to justify using harsh laws and state force against his critics.
He accused the President of planning to misuse the Anti-Terrorism Act by labeling certain leaders as threats, simply because they oppose his leadership.
“The story you are spreading about a planned overthrow is just an excuse. It’s designed to give you a reason to apply anti-terror laws, target certain communities, and harass leaders who don’t agree with your administration,” Gachagua said.
He also spoke about the recent protests that took place on July 7, during the country’s annual Saba Saba Day, a date often marked by demonstrations.
Gachagua claimed that much of the violence and destruction seen during these protests was actually carried out by state actors in a deliberate attempt to sabotage the economy and create chaos.
He went further to accuse President Ruto of colluding with governors and Members of Parliament to damage businesses, only to blame the destruction on politicians who are critical of his government.
In a sharp criticism of the President’s earlier remarks, Gachagua mocked Ruto’s angry speech, suggesting that the Head of State was simply reacting out of frustration from his own broken promises.
“I saw the President shouting in anger this morning. But Mr. President, being angry will not solve anything. The Kenyan people are more frustrated than you are,” Gachagua remarked.
He then urged the President to focus on delivering the promises he made to ordinary Kenyans—especially the youth and low-income earners who were promised jobs under the ‘hustler’ agenda.
“Give the hustlers the employment you promised them. You can’t keep comparing yourself with past presidents. You are the one who made the promises. Now is the time to fulfill them,” Gachagua concluded.
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