Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has appealed to the youths to reconsider participating in the planned June 25, 2026 demonstrations, citing fears of violence and loss of life.

Speaking from Wamunyoro on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, Gachagua claimed he had received intelligence reports indicating that criminal gangs would be deployed to infiltrate the protests and cause chaos in various parts of the country, including Nairobi, the Mount Kenya region, Kajiado and Narok counties.

The former deputy president claimed that the planned demonstrations could be exploited by individuals intent on causing destruction and provoking confrontations with security agencies.

“I want to appeal to the Gen Zs with a lot of humility and kindness to consider not going out to the streets,” Gachagua said. “These are our children and grandchildren whom we need next year to help us liberate this country through the ballot.”

Previous protests

The June 25 protests are being organised to commemorate victims of the anti-government demonstrations held in June 2024 and June 2025, during which several people were killed, injured, arrested or reported missing.

Gachagua argued that participating in the protests could expose young people to unnecessary risks, including injury and death.

“Retreat is not surrender, and strategy is not cowardice,” he said. “There is a constitutional way of dealing with William Ruto next year. We don’t have to go to the streets and expose ourselves to death and injury.”

Warning the business community

The former deputy president further urged business owners, motorists and workers to stay at home on the day of the protests, warning that businesses and property could be targeted if unrest breaks out.

“I urge all businessmen across the country, especially in the targeted areas of Nairobi, the Mount Kenya region, Kajiado and Narok, not to open their businesses on Thursday, June 25,” he said.