DCI Links Gachagua Allies to Gen Z Protests, Kindiki Tells Parliament

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has stated that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations has evidence indicating that prominent individuals associated with the Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua were involved in facilitating the Gen Z protests.

Kindiki, addressing the National Assembly Committee on Administration and Internal Security, emphasized the government's intolerance for the chaos witnessed in June and July. The DCI has recommended to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP) that politicians allied with Deputy President Gachagua face charges related to the anti-government protests. These charges include soliciting or inciting others to commit offenses and conspiracy to commit a felony. Some individuals may also face money laundering charges.

To support these allegations, efforts are underway to obtain relevant financial data from various institutions, including the Financial Reporting Centre, Safaricom, and banks where transactions occurred. Deputy President Gachagua has strongly criticized the DCI's actions, describing them as politically motivated. He expresses disappointment at what he perceives as a return to outdated political strategies involving the use of the criminal justice system to manage political affairs. Gachagua also notes that harassment of his office staff and Members of Parliament perceived to be close to him has been ongoing for the past two months.

The Gen Z protests, which erupted in June, were initially triggered by widespread discontent over the Finance Bill 2024. However, they quickly escalated into broader demonstrations calling for President William Ruto's removal, citing issues such as police brutality, corruption, and unfulfilled political promises. The protests were marked by violence, including looting, property destruction, and clashes with law enforcement. Human rights organizations have documented numerous instances of excessive force used by police that resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries. Interior CS Kindiki has disputed the casualty figures provided by human rights groups, stating that 42 people died during the protests, in contrast to the 61 reported by organizations like Amnesty International.

He also notes that 1,208 individuals were arrested during the demonstrations, with many cases still pending in court. The Gen Z protests have been notable for their scale, intensity, and use of social media platforms like TikTok for organization and mobilization. Protesters employed a range of tactics, from peaceful marches to more confrontational actions such as the attempted occupation of Parliament on June 25. The government's response included deploying the military in Nairobi and other major cities, a move that drew criticism from various quarters.