NAIROBI, Kenya – Former Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana has dismissed government attempts to link former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to the Gen Z-led protest movement, calling the narrative illogical and a distraction from deeper societal issues.
In a pointed post on X, Kibwana questioned how Gachagua, who was impeached in October 2024, could have masterminded protests that erupted months earlier.
“Mountainman RG was impeached October 2024. Gen Z uprising debacled June 2024. Help me with the maths!” Kibwana wrote.
He added, “How could Rigathi the former Deputy President be the midwife of the youth movement? We must come to terms with the emergent youth power. They want to fix Kenya for all of us!”
Mountainman RG was impeached October 2024. GenZ Uprising debacled June 2024. Help me with the maths! How could @rigathi the former Deputy President be the midwife of the Youth Movement? We must come to terms with the emergent Youth Power. They want to fix Kenya for all of us!
His remarks come as the Ruto administration continues to suggest political players are behind the wave of youth-led protests that have rocked the country since June last year.
Central to the claims is Gachagua, who has firmly denied any role in the mobilisation of young people.
The Gen Z demonstrations began in June 2024 as a protest against a controversial finance bill but have since morphed into a broader national movement targeting corruption, police brutality, and the rising cost of living.
They resurfaced in force on June 25, 2025, marking the one-year anniversary of the initial protests — and calling for justice after the death of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang in police custody.
Tragedy struck again when Boniface Kariuki, a face mask vendor, was shot in the head at close range by police during the June 25 protests. He later died of his injuries and was buried on July 11 in Kangema.
In a statement issued the day after Kariuki’s shooting, Gachagua condemned the crackdown in strong terms.
“I condemn the use of excessive force and live bullets by the police on peaceful and unarmed Gen Z protesters witnessed yesterday across the country,” he said.
He also rejected claims that the protests were politically manipulated.
“The Gen Z protests do not need anyone to finance them. Gen Z are tribeless, without structure or direction,” Gachagua said, directly addressing President Ruto. “You promised our young people jobs and economic liberation. You know what you have delivered.”
While demonstrators continue to insist their movement is unaffiliated with any political party, the government maintains a tough line.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has labelled the protests an “unconstitutional attempt to change the regime” and praised police conduct, denying any misconduct despite multiple civilian deaths.
“I want to thank our police officers for a job well done. There is no police officer who committed any excesses,” Murkomen said Thursday during a visit to Tana River. “Those found culpable of igniting violence, looting and acts of terrorism will be held to account.”
President Ruto has gone further, describing the protests as a threat to national security and urging police to use force.
“Shoot their legs so they break and they can go to hospital on their way to court,” he said during a public address. “Those attacking police are terrorists. They are not protestors. They are criminals. And they are engaged in a war with the government.”
The President’s remarks have sparked outrage from human rights groups and civil society organisations, who accuse the state of criminalising dissent and suppressing constitutional freedoms.
As the protests grow in scope and coordination, Kibwana’s message — that the youth-led movement is an organic, legitimate force for change — appears to echo public sentiment.
Rather than scapegoating political figures, he urged the government to engage with young people and address their grievances.
“We must stop looking for scapegoats and start listening,” he wrote.
