Gachagua explains his absence from the June 25 memorial protest
By Valerian Khakayi, June 27, 2025Former Deputy President and Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has explained his absence from the Gen Z memorial protests on June 25, 2025.
Speaking in a candid interview on Friday night, June 27, 2025, Gachagua revealed that he watched live TV of the demonstrations until the stream was abruptly halted.
He emphasised that he chose not to join the protests because youth leaders in the Gen Z movement had asked established figures like himself to steer clear.
“I was in my house the whole day; I was watching on TV until they stopped that live stream. I did not want to join the protest because during the 2024 protest, Gen Z asked us, the leaders, to keep off the protest. That is how it should be because they do not want to be owned by anybody; they are not under the direction of anybody, and they are not financed by anybody,” Gachagua explained.
The former DP went on to assert that by staying away, he avoided lending credence to allegations that he was orchestrating or funding the movement.
“These are our young people who are bright, who are intelligent and innovative and doing their own things. I think if I had turned up on the streets on Wednesday, it could have given credence to those ridiculous accusations that I am the one who finances Gen Z,” he added.
Gachagua reaffirmed his solidarity with the youth, condemning extrajudicial killings and abductions, while maintaining that public protests were rightly the youth’s own domain, not that of political elders.
“I deliberately kept off because the Gen Z had asked us to keep off again I have nothing to do with it because am not their leader but am in support of their cause that we should not have abduction, we should not have extra judicial killings but I had no business going to join them on the street because that is their thing,” Gachagua said.
Memorial protest
The June 25 memorial protests were marked by solemn ceremonies, with a section of protestors led by Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka laying flowers on barricades and holding vigils to honour those who lost their lives during the previous year’s demonstrations.
These individuals have become symbols of a generation’s fight for justice and accountability in Kenya.
Rex Kanyeki Masai, 29, was shot dead in Nairobi on June 20, 2024. His death quickly became a powerful rallying cry, igniting widespread outrage and sorrow across the country. Abdi Kadir, 24, died in the hospital weeks later, on July 16, after being shot during the first wave of protests. He was laid to rest the following day.
Evans Kiratu died after being hit by a tear gas canister while police were dispersing protesters. The injuries he sustained proved fatal. Eric Shieni, a university student who was set to graduate in September, also lost his life near Parliament. He had been living in South B with his brother, and his future was full of promise.
David Chege, a computer science graduate from JKUAT, had been working as a freelance IT expert. He died near Parliament as well, a tragic loss of young talent and potential. Beasley Kamau went missing after joining the protests. His body was discovered at the City Mortuary on June 26, sparking public anger and demands for answers.
Ibrahim Kamau, just 19 years old, had recently completed high school and hoped to become an electrician. He was shot twice in the neck during the storming of Parliament and died from his injuries. The youngest victim, 12-year-old Kennedy Onyango, was killed during the protests in Rongai. His death left the nation heartbroken and in mourning.