Gachagua Threatens Gen Z Mobilisation in Response to ID Restrictions

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused President William Ruto’s administration of obstructing access to national identity documents and linked it to a multi-billion shilling fuel scandal, in remarks made during an Easter service in Gatundu North.

Speaking at AIPCA Gakoe Church, Gachagua claimed that the issuance of national identity cards was being deliberately restricted in regions seen as unsupportive of the Kenya Kwanza government. He said opposition leaders would meet on Monday, 6 April, to address the issue and warned of possible mobilisation of young people to protest at government offices if the situation continues. He stated that Gen Z could be called upon to take action.

His remarks come as Huduma Kenya reports that more than 150,000 national identity cards remain uncollected across the country, along with thousands of driving licences and birth certificates. The figures have raised concerns about access to documents and administrative delays.

The issue has broader implications as the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) works to register 2.5 million new voters in its ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise. Gachagua also criticised the commission over statements suggesting that some voters registered before 2012 may need to register again. The IEBC later clarified that only individuals who did not complete biometric registration in 2012 are affected and maintained that the current voter register is reliable.

In separate remarks, Gachagua accused the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and President Ruto of involvement in a KSh4 billion fuel scandal. He alleged that KSh500 million recovered from individuals linked to the case was handed to the President. He described the situation as a failed arrangement and suggested that former energy officials were targeted after attempting to bypass official channels.

The DCI rejected the claims, describing them as false and stating that such allegations could weaken public confidence in law enforcement. The agency confirmed it is reviewing Gachagua’s full speech, including sections delivered in Gikuyu, to assess whether it violates the National Cohesion and Integration Act.

President Ruto has said that all individuals connected to the fuel scandal will be held accountable. Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi confirmed that the ministry halted delivery of a second fuel shipment after identifying irregularities in an earlier consignment, increasing scrutiny of procurement processes in the sector.