June 25 memorial: Gachagua urges Kenyans to stay indoors, alleges state-sanctioned violence

Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Gachagua said he was compelled to speak out following intelligence reports indicating a coordinated scheme to unleash hired gangs in select counties.

"I wished to address myself on the planned Gen Z commemoration protests. During the last two demos, lives were lost and businesses were destroyed. To those whose lives have been lost over the last four years, this is not what 55 million Kenyans envisioned," he said.

The former DP took aim at a senior Cabinet secretary he described as a notorious warmonger, accusing him of openly declaring that the demos would only be witnessed in Mt Kenya.

"A very notorious CS and warmonger stated that demos would only be witnessed in Mt Kenya. This is not just a statement from nowhere," Gachagua said.

He went on to allege a coordinated plot by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, Nakuru Senator Tabitha Karanja Kihika and others, to finance and deploy goons in the region.

"I have intelligence that Murkomen, Omollo, Kihika and others have organised goons to cause mayhem in Mt Kenya. Two hundred million shillings was withdrawn today in Upperhill from the Interior account, meant to finance goons for Thursday," he claimed.

According to Gachagua, senior officers within the police service have raised concerns over instructions to stand down and allow the hired gangs to operate freely.

"Senior police officers have told us they are uncomfortable with instructions that they should keep away and let goons cause chaos in the region," he said.

He further alleged that the operation is being coordinated by what he termed the "notorious Nairobi Sierra Squad" under the Interior CS, with DCP strongholds being specifically targeted to taint the party leadership.

"I have been informed that DCP strongholds have been targeted so that the leader can be blamed alongside leaders who support him," he said.

Gachagua mocked Murkomen's recent appearance on Citizen TV, where the CS reportedly struggled to explain the presence of goons during recent unrest, dismissing them as watchmen.

"Murkomen could not explain goons on Citizen TV, alleging that they are watchmen," he said.

Turning to the Gen Z protesters, Gachagua urged them to skip Thursday's demonstrations and wait for the 2027 General Election.

"I would kindly appeal to the Gen Zs to keep off the streets on Thursday. We need them next year. Retreat is not surrender and it is not cowardice. There is a better way to deal with Ruto constitutionally," he said.

He warned that the hired goons are not ordinary criminals but operatives shielded by the police.

"Kipchumba Murkomen cannot condemn the goons, because he is the one who has hired them and is paying them. They come under the protection of police, cause mayhem, disappear under their protection, and they are left killing innocent Kenyans," he said, adding, "Please my sons and daughters, you cannot vote when you are dead."

The DCP leader extended his appeal to business owners, motorists and workers in Nairobi, the larger Central region, Kajiado and Narok, asking them to keep their establishments closed, stay off the roads and keep their children at home.

Gachagua then made a passionate call for a nationwide stay-at-home protest, framing it as a more powerful and safer alternative to street demonstrations.

"I ask all Kenyans on Thursday, to stay indoors, stay at home, and avoid the state-sponsored militia organised by Kipchumba Murkomen, who is ruthless. There is no need for you to make a point, then you end up in a casket," he said.