Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has responded to President William Ruto’s claims that the ongoing demonstrations are part of an unconstitutional plot to overthrow his government.
Gachagua, however, stated that he is committed to removing President Ruto from office through the ballot.
Speaking during a press conference at his Karen residence on Wednesday July 9, Gachagua dismissed the President’s claims, stating that the opposition’s goal is to remove the Head of State through legitimate electoral processes.
“We want to tell you that the ‘Wantam movement’ is not getting you out of power outside the constitution. No one wants to overthrow your government. I and the people we work with are on record saying we want to remove you from the State House via the Ballot,” Gachagua clarified, directly addressing the President’s earlier statements.
President Ruto, visibly agitated, had launched an untamed tirade earlier on Wednesday during the launch of a Police Housing Project at Kilimani Police Station.
He accused unnamed political leaders of sponsoring chaos and protests across the country in recent weeks, warning that such attempts to destabilize the nation would no longer be tolerated.
“I have been quiet, and I have tolerated these people who want to change the government using unconstitutional means but enough is enough,” Ruto stated.
“We will not allow it. We are coming for you. Those plotting to remove me from office before 2027 must know we will not let them destroy this country through unconstitutional means.”
In a swift rejoinder, Gachagua accused the President of fabricating a narrative of an attempted power grab. He suggested that this narrative was being pushed to justify the use of excessive force and potentially leverage terrorism acts to profile specific communities and persecute leaders who oppose the current administration. “This narrative you are creating that there is an attempt to overthrow the government is for you to have the opportunity to use the terrorism act to profile communities and to persecute leaders opposed to your administration,” Gachagua concluded.
The former Deputy President told the president that Kenyans want the jobs he promised and he should stop being angry instead look for a permanent solution.
”I saw the president wailing in anger this morning. Mr President, wailing in anger is not the solution. The people of Kenya are angrier than you are, Give hustlers the jobs you promised them. You cannot say that other presidents have not been able to do it. You are the one who promised.”
Speaking Wednesday morning President Ruto, said the problem with unemployment did not start with his government ”Kwani hawa vijana wote walikuwa na kazi kabla ya hii serikali?” he asked.
He defended his government saying it has created more jobs compared to previous governments.
