Kenya Insights

Tag: Maandamano

  • “You Cannot Go to Streets and Expect Police to Kiss You” – Kenyans Remind Gachagua of Past Remarks on Protest Crackdowns

    “You Cannot Go to Streets and Expect Police to Kiss You” – Kenyans Remind Gachagua of Past Remarks on Protest Crackdowns

    Former Deputy President’s current criticism of police brutality contrasts sharply with his previous support for violent suppression of demonstrations

    NAIROBI, Kenya – Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua finds himself in an uncomfortable spotlight as Kenyans resurrect his past statements defending police brutality against protesters, following his recent criticism of the government’s violent crackdown on demonstrations.

    The controversy erupted this week after Gachagua condemned the government’s handling of peaceful protesters who were demonstrating against the killing of teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang.

    In a strongly-worded statement on his X account, Gachagua described the police action as “one of the lowest moments of our post-independence Kenya.”

    However, Kenyans were quick to remind the former Deputy President of his dramatically different stance just 12 months ago, when he was still in government and actively defending similar police actions.

    The Contradiction Exposed

    (Click to watch the video)

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    In July 2023, while serving as Deputy President under William Ruto’s administration, Gachagua had defended brutal police action against protesters with the now-infamous statement: “You cannot go to the streets destroying property and expect police to come kiss you.”

    Speaking during a tour of Murang’a County alongside President Ruto, Gachagua had urged security officers to “stay put and not be bothered by criticism from the opposition,” effectively giving police carte blanche to use force against demonstrators.

    The stark contrast between his past and present positions has not gone unnoticed by the Kenyan public, who have flooded social media with reminders of his previous statements supporting the very actions he now condemns.

    During his tenure as Deputy President, Gachagua positioned himself as President Ruto’s primary defender, taking a hardline stance against any form of dissent.

    He famously declared: “Whoever is planning something against President Ruto should be prepared to face me because that is my job. My work is to protect him.”

    His transformation from government cheerleader to fierce critic began after his impeachment in October 2024, following what he described as a betrayal by his former boss.

    Since then, Gachagua has emerged as one of the administration’s harshest critics, exposing what he calls the government’s “corruption and nepotism.”

    Recent Events Spark Fresh Criticism

    The latest controversy stems from the government’s response to protests following the death of teacher Albert Ojwang.

    During the demonstrations, a vendor named Boniface Mwangi Kariuki was shot at point-blank range by a police officer and remains hospitalized after undergoing a second surgery to remove bullet fragments.

    Gachagua’s response to this incident marked a complete reversal of his previous position: “It is uncivilized to sink our nation into an international shame by a clueless regime that has no value and dignity for human life,” he posted on social media.

    The revelation of Gachagua’s contradictory statements has sparked intense public debate about political opportunism and the authenticity of his current opposition stance.

    Many Kenyans have questioned whether his newfound concern for human rights is genuine or merely a product of his political circumstances.

    Social media users have been sharing clips and quotes from his time in government, highlighting statements where he urged police to continue their work without being “bothered by criticism from protesters and the opposition.”

    This isn’t the first time Gachagua’s past statements have come under scrutiny since his impeachment.

    His journey from being Ruto’s “main defender” to launching the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) to challenge the president in 2027 has been marked by a complete ideological reversal on multiple issues.

    During his time in office, Gachagua had even defended the government’s heavy expenditure on presidential travel and maintained that President Ruto would enjoy “a smooth sail to power” in 2027, despite opposition criticism.

    The controversy goes to show a broader issue in Kenyan politics about the consistency and credibility of political leaders who dramatically shift positions based on their current circumstances.

    It also underscores the power of social media and public memory in holding politicians accountable for their past statements.

    As Gachagua continues to position himself as a champion of human rights and democratic freedoms, his past endorsement of police brutality serves as a reminder of the political calculations that often drive such transformations.

  • Protests And Social Media Rants Won’t Change Leadership, Ruto Says

    Protests And Social Media Rants Won’t Change Leadership, Ruto Says

    President William Ruto has reiterated that Kenya is a nation that believes in the rule of law, and cannot therefore tolerate instances where some people instigate chaos to disrupt law and order.

    In an apparent reference to widespread anti-government protests which characterized the last couple of weeks, Ruto who was in Tana River County said under his leadership, he will “never allow a few people to cause mayhem, anarchy, destroy property, and burn down government buildings,”

    He maintained that he won’t let the country stall much as the constitution allows expression of misgivings by citizens.

    “Kuna watu wanafikiria watatufanyia maandamano Kenya isimame. Hii Kenya itasimama kweli? Kenya itasonga mbele,” he remarked

    “Mimi nataka niwaambie, hatuwezi kuruhusu taifa letu lifanyiwe karata ya pata potea, watu wafanye maandamano, walete maafa na uharibifu wa mali, wachome manyumba ya serikali kwa sababu ya mambo ya kibinafsi,” said Ruto

    The head of state once again affirmed his position that change of leadership can only be undertaken through an electoral process where voters chose those they believe can represent their interests and that no other means can be exploited to achieve this end.

    “Kenya ni nchi ya demokrasia na wananachi na wanaamua viongozi kutoka MCA, mpaka rais. Uongozi wa Kenya hauamuliwi kwa fujo, kwa social media, kwa maandamano, na kwa vita,” he said

    He further defended his decision to form a broad-based government incorporating some members of the opposition to his cabinet.

    “Wakenya wanasema tuungane tupeleke Kenya mbele. Ndio juzi mimi nimetengeneza serikali ya kuunganisha Wakenya wote. Na nimesema Wakenya kutoka kila jamii, sehemu, na mrengo, tutaungana ili kuhakikisha ya kwamba Kenya inapiga hatua ya kwenda mbele,” he said

    “The interest of the Republish of Kenya comes first before any other interest, political or otherwise,” noted the head of state

  • Martha Karua Denies Imminent Split with Raila Odinga

    Martha Karua Denies Imminent Split with Raila Odinga

    Azimio Principal Martha Karua refuted claims of an impending separation between herself and coalition leader Raila Odinga.

    Speculations about a strained relationship arose when Karua was conspicuously absent from the Kamukunji Rally on Friday, July 7, and the subsequent march to Central Park in Nairobi’s CBD.

    In her place, Raila Odinga was accompanied by former Murang’a Governor Mwangi wa Iria, suggesting trouble between the 2022 presidential candidate and his running mate.

    Martha Karua and Raila Odinga

    Karua addressed these reports, stating that her absence from the capital was due to her simultaneous rally in Kirinyaga. She reiterated that she had initiated the process of collecting signatures to repeal the Finance Act 2023, aligning with Odinga’s expectations.

    This clarification put to rest allegations that Raila intended to replace his former running mate with Mwangi wa Iria.

    During the mass rally on July 7, the Azimio Coalition adopted a new strategy to exert pressure on President William Ruto’s administration to reduce the cost of living.

    Unlike previous practices of hosting a single large rally in Nairobi, coalition leaders held simultaneous rallies nationwide.

    While Karua led anti-government protests in Kirinyaga, Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka initiated a signature collection drive in Kathiani, Machakos County. Similarly, Eugene Wamalwa, leader of the Democratic Action Party – Kenya (DAP-K), and George Wajackoya, leader of the Roots party, led demonstrations in the Western region.

    Odinga announced that similar protests would be organized throughout the country on Wednesday, July 12.

    On Saturday, July 8, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua dismissed the signature collection drive, deeming it a futile endeavor without constitutional support. Gachagua stated that the constitution only permits the removal of a sitting president through an election victory, not through signatures.

    Martha Karua vs Mwangi wa Iria?

    There is no evidence to suggest that Mwangi wa Iria is intentionally overshadowing Martha Karua in the Azimio camp. While Karua’s absence from a recent rally and Mwangi wa Iria’s presence alongside Raila Odinga sparked speculation, it is important to note that political dynamics can be complex and multifaceted.

    It is not uncommon for political leaders to engage with various individuals and groups to build alliances and support. Any assumptions about one individual intentionally blocking another’s shine would be speculative and unsubstantiated.