Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has dismissed claims that he aided the violent June 25 Gen Z-led protests against the Finance Bill 2024, which led to an invasion of Parliament.
Gachagua denounced what he terms as ‘trumped-up charges' against his office staff and members of parliament allied to him by the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI).
In a statement, Gachagua cried foul over using the criminal justice system to manage politics.
“Kenyans also know what the real problems in Kenya are. They surely know Rigathi Gachagua is not among them. Let our agencies remain professional, follow the rule of law, and keep off politics."
Further, he argued that the plan is to try and associate them with violent demonstrations in late June in a futile attempt to soil his name to create grounds for the mooted impeachment proceedings against him.
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“I am embarrassed that we are back to where we were. Harassment of my Office staff and Members of Parliament perceived to be close to me, has been going on for the last two months.”
Similarly, he regretted the development, saying it was against what he and President William Ruto had promised Kenyans after taking office in 2022.
“Let our agencies remain professional, follow the rule of law and keep off politics. Kenyans are very intelligent people. They know what factors made the People of Kenya take to the streets. Kenyans also know what the real problems in Kenya are. They surely know Rigathi Gachagua is not among them.”
This follows revelations that police want top aides and allies to Gachagua be charged with various offences over the Gen Z protests.
The DCI forwarded the probe file into the issue to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution on September 24 and recommended that the top aides and allies be charged with conspiracy to commit a felony, among other things.
Those implicated include Members of Parliament Benjamin Gathiru (Embakasi Central), James Gakuya (Embakasi North), George Theuri (Embakasi West), former Nyeri Town MP Wambugu Ngunjiri, and Gachagua’s Private Secretary, Pius Munene.
They face charges of soliciting or inciting others to commit an offense under Section 391 of the Penal Code, conspiracy to commit a felony under Section 393, and money laundering under Sections 3, 4, and 7 of the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act.
