Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has called on Kenyans to pursue political change through constitutional means, urging citizens to register as voters ahead of the 2027 General Election and reject violence as a tool for political transformation.
In a statement issued on Thursday, June 25, 2026, Gachagua said the ballot remains the legitimate avenue for citizens to determine the country's future, expressing confidence that Kenyans will have an opportunity to effect change during the next general election.
“I plead with the people of Kenya to stay alive, stay safe and register as voters, for we all have a date with destiny to liberate our country on August 10, next year. We shall liberate our country through the mechanism provided for by our Constitution; the ballot,” Gachagua said.
The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader made the remarks as Kenyans marked the second anniversary of the June 25, 2024 Gen Z protests, which sparked nationwide demonstrations against the Finance Bill 2024 and broader governance concerns.
Gachagua paid tribute to those who lost their lives during the June 2024 anti-government protests, subsequent demonstrations in June 2025, and the Saba Saba protests, while alleging that police brutality and state-sponsored militias were responsible for the deaths.
He also commended protesters for what he described as a peaceful commemoration of the June 25 anniversary, thanking young people for exercising restraint during the demonstrations.
“I sincerely thank my dear sons and daughters, the Gen Zs, for heeding my plea to avoid death and injury. They had planned to harm you on a big magnitude today,” he stated.
The former Deputy President further praised police officers who exercised restraint while policing the demonstrations, urging members of the security services to remain professional and reject unlawful orders.
He appealed to officers to avoid the use of excessive force against peaceful demonstrators and to uphold their constitutional mandate of protecting lives and property while respecting the rights of citizens.
Gachagua has consistently maintained that political change should be achieved through democratic and constitutional processes, urging Kenyans to participate actively in the electoral process ahead of the 2027 General Election.
His latest remarks come amid heightened political activity as opposition leaders continue mobilising support while commemorations of the June 25 Gen Z protests renewed calls for justice, accountability, and reforms within the country's governance and security sectors.
