Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has said he could call on Kenyans to stop paying taxes if what he described as “goonism, violence and persecution” under President William Ruto’s administration continues.

He made the remarks on Saturday, 27 June 2026, during a meeting with grassroots leaders from Laikipia County at his Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri County.

Gachagua linked his warning to rising political tensions and new National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) inspection rules, which he claimed could be used to raise money unfairly from motorists.

Under the new NTSA directive, all private vehicles older than four years will undergo annual inspection starting July 1, 2026. The government says the programme will improve road safety and reduce accidents caused by faulty vehicles.

Gachagua, however, questioned the timing and cost of the exercise. He said it would place an extra burden on citizens already facing high living costs.

He also urged motorists to resist compliance with the inspection process.

“Mtu yeyote asikubali kupeleka gari yake inspection na kutoa pesa kwa William Ruto,” he said.

Tax-paying suspension

Gachagua then escalated his criticism, warning that continued violence and destruction would push him to call for broader economic resistance, including tax refusal.

He said such action would depend on government behaviour.

“Na mimi niseme pia, tukiendelea mbele, William Ruto akiendelea kuangaisha sisi na vita, akiendelea kuleta fujo … mimi nitauliza Wakenya, tuseme tusimamishe kulipa kodi mpaka akuwe na adabu,” he said.

He added that he does not support violence but would encourage peaceful economic pressure if he believes state actions worsen.

“Since we cannot match you in violence, we are not violent people… we suspend the payment of taxes until you come to your senses,” he said.

Calls for opposition unity

Gachagua also made claims about recent incidents of violence, including a fire at Gikomba Market that destroyed property and left traders with heavy losses.

He argued that such incidents deepen public anger and weaken trust in government institutions.

The former deputy president said Kenya had become increasingly unsafe and accused unnamed groups of using force and intimidation in politics.

“Wamepora mali yote ya Kenya.. goons ndio wanatawala Kenya,” he said.

He contrasted the current situation with the end of retired President Uhuru Kenyatta’s term, saying the country had been more stable at the time.

Gachagua also renewed his call for opposition unity ahead of the 2027 General Election. He urged leaders to agree on a single presidential candidate to challenge President Ruto at the ballot box.

“It is very urgent… tukubaliane tutoe one single presidential candidate ya kufukuza William Ruto,” he said.

Despite his strong criticism, Gachagua maintained that political change should happen through elections rather than violent confrontation. He said protecting lives and property remains more important than street protests that could turn violent.

“Tena sisi tuko na nafasi ya kutoa Ruto kwa kiti mwaka ujao… tukikufa tutamtoa namna gani?” he said.