Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has explained why he did not participate in the June 25 commemorative protests.

Speaking during a consultative meeting with grassroots leaders from Laikipia County at his Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri County on Saturday, June 27, 2026, Gachagua said his decision was driven by a desire to protect lives and livelihoods rather than fear.

The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader defended his earlier appeal for Kenyans, particularly those from the Mt Kenya region, to stay away from the demonstrations.

He said some critics had accused him of cowardice for not joining protesters in the streets, but maintained that responsible leadership required him to prioritise the safety of his supporters.

“Watu wengine walijaribu kuniingilia ati Rigathi kwanini hakuenda kwa barabara wewe ni muoga. Mimi sio muoga, kila mtu anajua. Lakini mimi ni kiongozi ambaye anajali watu wake,” Gachagua said.

Risk of deaths and loss of property

Gachagua said he could not knowingly encourage his supporters to participate in demonstrations if there was a risk they could lose their lives.

He also expressed concern that businesses owned by his supporters could be destroyed during demonstrations, arguing that protecting people’s economic well-being was equally important.

The former Deputy President insisted that avoiding confrontations was a strategic decision rather than a retreat from the opposition’s political agenda.

“Siwezi peleka watu wangu kwa kifo. Mimi nitakuwa ni mjinga. Siwezi kubali mali ya watu wangu iharibiwe,” he said.

Focus on the ballot

Gachagua reiterated his position that President William Ruto should be challenged through the ballot rather than through violent confrontation.

He argued that preserving lives would allow Kenyans who oppose the government to participate in the next electoral contest.

“Tena sisi tuko na nafasi ya kutoa Ruto kwa kiti mwaka ujao. Sasa tukikufa tutamtoa namna gani. Biashara zetu zikiharibiwa tutakula nink tukingoja kumtoa?” he asked.

The remarks mirror Gachagua’s earlier calls urging Gen Z protesters and opposition supporters to avoid demonstrations that could expose them to violence while instead preparing for political change through elections.

Gachagua says God guided his decision

In an emotional appeal, Gachagua said he believed God had guided him not to lead the Mt Kenya region into violence.

According to the former deputy president, he viewed his role as protecting the community entrusted to him rather than exposing it to unnecessary danger.

“Kwa hivo mimi kama kiongozi Mwenyezi Mungu alinielekeza vizuri akaniambia Rigathi jamii ya mlima imekubali ukuwe kiongozi, usiipeleke kwa mauaji, kwa vita. Mungu akanielekeza kwamba kujikinga sio uoga,” Gachagua remarked.

Ahead of the June 25 commemorations, Gachagua had appealed to Kenyans, especially residents of the Mt Kenya region, to stay away from the planned demonstrations, arguing that the protests had been infiltrated by individuals intent on causing violence and destruction.

His position drew mixed reactions, with critics accusing him of abandoning the protest movement, while supporters argued that his message helped reduce the risk of loss of life and destruction of property.

The June 25 commemorations were held to honour victims of the 2024 anti-government protests, with demonstrations taking place in several parts of the country under heavy police deployment.