Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has firmly dismissed accusations from President William Ruto’s loyalists that he is plotting to overthrow the government through unconstitutional means. Speaking from the United States on July 14, 2025, Gachagua emphasized that he respects the rule of law and intends to achieve political change only through the ballot box in the 2027 general elections.
The allegations emerged after President Ruto warned on July 9 that he would take a hard stance against anyone attempting to remove him from power unlawfully. Ruto had stated, “Your plans to take power through shortcuts will not succeed,” as tensions within the Kenya Kwanza administration grew.
Gachagua, who leads the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), refuted the claims that protests he supports amount to a coup attempt. “Nobody wants change unconstitutionally or to overthrow the government. The change we want will come on August 10, 2027, through the ballot,” he said.
He further criticized recent government orders to police to “shoot to kill” or “shoot on the leg” protesters, describing them as gross human rights violations. Gachagua highlighted the controversy surrounding a notorious gang leader, whose pending court cases were reportedly withdrawn following his role in protest-related violence, a move Gachagua condemned.
Reiterating his support for the “Wantam” (one-term) movement aimed at preventing the Kenya Kwanza government from securing a second term, Gachagua asserted that 90% of Kenyans desire a change of leadership. He dismissed calls by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga for a national dialogue as distractions orchestrated by the current administration to slow the momentum for change.
“I have never claimed to be the solution. The solution is one term. This cannot be stopped,” Gachagua stated, making clear his vision for political transition.
In a message to the Kenyan diaspora in Seattle, Gachagua urged continued remittances, calling them a critical source of foreign exchange vital to the country’s economic development.
As the political temperature rises ahead of the 2027 elections, Gachagua’s comments underscore growing opposition momentum against President Ruto and highlight concerns over civil rights and governance in Kenya.
“Nobody wants change unconstitutionally or to overthrow the government. The change we want will come through the ballot on August 10, 2027,” Gachagua said.
