Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has called on President William Ruto to resign or prepare to face voters in 2027, escalating tensions between the two leaders amid growing public unrest over economic policies and recent protests.
In a televised interview on NTV on Friday, Gachagua was reacting to Ruto’s earlier remarks that day, where he had openly challenged critics calling for his resignation to offer a better plan for the country and its citizens.
“If it is ‘Ruto must go,’ then tell me how you want me to go. What do you mean by ‘Ruto must go’? Look for a better plan and convince the people of Kenya,” President Ruto had stated during his speech marking World MSME Day in Nairobi.
But Gachagua, now the leader of the opposition DCP Party, stood firm. “If Kenyans say it’s time to go, then you must go,” he declared. “You have two options: resign with dignity or wait for the people to vote you out in 2027.”
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The exchange followed violent protests on June 25, when demonstrators clashed with police in Nairobi and other towns. Gachagua denied claims that he organised the unrest. Instead, he accused the government of sponsoring the chaos and using criminal gangs for political ends.
He also dismissed claims that the protests were an attempted coup against Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza government, calling such ideas “empty gimmicks” meant to hide public demands for change.
Gachagua criticised the government’s handling of the protests and accused the police of being involved in violence and failing to protect citizens. He claimed the National Intelligence Service misunderstood public feelings, misleading Ruto and contributing to the loss of lives.
“Kenyans are angry, and leaders must listen,” said Gachagua, pointing out issues like taxes and healthcare reforms that have upset many people.
The recent protests were held in memory of the Gen Z protestors who died while opposing the Finance Bill at the same time last year.
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