Gachagua says Ruto was ‘benchmarking’ in Tanzania on handling Gen Z protests

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has launched a fresh onslaught against President William Ruto, alleging that the Head of State is engaging in regional “benchmarking” on how to deal with Gen Z protesters.

Speaking at a political rally in Kandara, Murang'a County, on Wednesday, Gachagua accused President Ruto of travelling to Tanzania with the intent of learning tactics to suppress youthful dissent.

“Watu wa Kandara, nani aliuwa Magenz? Nani ameharibu biashara na kubomoa nyumba za wakikuyu? Kasongo aende asiende?" he claimed.

"Juzi usiku Kasongo ameenda Tanzania kutafuta Rais wa huko ambaye aliuwa Magenz. Kasongo ameenda Tanzania kufanya benchmarking ya jinsi atateka nyara na kuwaua Magenz."

Gachagua further alleged that the President’s allies were infiltrating opposition formations to weaken them from within, even as he insisted that efforts were underway to unite opposition leaders ahead of the 2027 General Election.

“Tumeongea tumekubaliana kwamba mimi na United opposition tutakaa pamoja kuchagua mmoja ambaye atapambana na Kasongo,” he said.

“Sisi sote tuko kitu kimoja. Kalonzo, Matiang'i, Karua, Natembeya, Muturi tutaungana pamoja. Hatutakubali kugawanya kura zetu Kasongo apite katikati."

At the same time, Gachagua expressed confidence in his own presidential ambitions, claiming he had growing support among Kenyans and was best fitted to floor Ruto come 2027.

“Mimi nikipima, Wakenya wanasema Riggy G apewe awe the sole presidential candidate kupigana na Ruto,” he said.

“Riggy G anasema kama haitakuwa yeye iwe ni Kalonzo, wafuasi wake wote waungane akuwe Rais. Kama ni Martha Karua vilevile,” he stated.

The DCP boss also took a swipe at leaders he accused of betraying the region, warning of political consequences.

“Tuko na operation ya kufukuza wasaliti...Alice Wahome umeolewa kwetu Nyeri lakini usitumwe kutukana sisi. Kula ile unakula lakini ujue Riggy G atakuwa Rais next year,” he said.

His remarks come against the backdrop of recent regional discussions on handling youth-led protests, including comments by Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu urging firm measures against Gen Z activism.

Speaking during a joint address at State House, Dar es Salaam on Monday, President Suluhu opined that youth in the East African bloc are becoming notorious for how they call for astute governance and should be tamed.

She urged her Kenyan counterpart not to back down on instilling tough disciplinary measures to tame Gen Zs agitating for good governance, adding that the call for good governance is handled differently in different democracies, and those breaching the standards will be met with the full force of the law.