Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has hit back at critics who labelled him a coward after he urged caution ahead of the June 25 Gen Z commemorations, saying his strength lies in political mobilisation rather than organising protests.

Speaking to delegates of his Democracy for Citizens (DCP) party from Nairobi County at his Wamunyoro residence on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, Gachagua defended his position, stating that he is not a protest organiser and has no interest in leading demonstrations.

“My strength is in political mobilisation, not organising protests. I can’t lead protests for only people to be killed so that I can take over power; that is Raila’s approach not mine,” Gachagua made it clear.

He also dismissed attempts to compare him to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who was known for organising protests and calling supporters to the streets. Gachagua said his approach to politics is different, adding that he cannot call on Kenyans to stage protests simply to help him gain power. Instead, he said he believes leadership should be won through the ballot and not through confrontational means.

Gachagua’s strength

The former deputy president said his strength is in political mobilisation and helping leaders win elections. He claimed to have successfully mobilised support for three presidents and declared that he is now determined to make President William Ruto a one-term president.

According to Gachagua, he mobilised support for former President Mwai Kibaki in 2007, retired President Uhuru Kenyatta in the 2013 and 2017 General Elections, and President William Ruto in the 2022 election. He added that he is now focused on campaigning against the incumbent ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Motorists boycotting Kenyan roads

At the same time, Gachagua has threatened to urge Kenyans to withdraw their vehicles from the roads if President William Ruto continues with the push for mandatory vehicle inspections.

“I want to tell all motorists not to take their vehicles for inspection. If William Ruto wants to force vehicles to undergo inspection, I, Rigathi Gachagua, will tell all car owners to leave their cars at home and boycott Kenyan roads for one week so that we can bring Kenya to a standstill. Just as I told Kenyans some weeks ago to stay at home and not go to work, I will repeat the same call.”