Gachagua claims Ruto has captured NTSA, eyeing Matatu business

Speaking during a press briefing on Tuesday, Gachagua alleged that President Ruto intends to take control of the matatu industry and had "captured" the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA). 

He alleged that a company identified as PesaPaid was collecting vehicle inspection fees outside government systems and urged motorists not to present their vehicles for inspection if the alleged arrangement continued.

"If they insist, we will remove all vehicles from the roads for one week. We will shut down Kenya. The way to deal with William Ruto is through an economic shutdown," Gachagua said.

He further alleged that the inspection fees were not being remitted to the government and demanded that NTSA disclose the official account receiving the payments.

"The way to deal with him is to do what he is doing to Kenyans right now. He is in every part of the economy. The man has driven all business people out of business," he said.

Gachagua also claimed he was compiling a list of businesses he alleges are associated with President Ruto and said he would call for a boycott of their products.

"I am compiling a list of businesses owned by William Ruto. I will call for a total boycott of all products associated with companies linked to him. We will sabotage him economically. So far I have 17 and more are coming," he said.

The former deputy president also responded to criticism over his absence from recent anti-government demonstrations, saying he believes in peaceful political engagement rather than street protests.

"I have seen people asking why they did not see me in the demonstrations. Riggy G's strength is not taking people to demonstrations. My role is to defend people, not to have them killed. Riggy G is a man of peace, not chaos," he said.

Gachagua maintained that demonstrations are not his preferred political strategy.

"You are saying I don't know demonstrations. That is true. I don't know demonstrations. What am I doing in demonstrations? I am in a different lane," he said.

Instead, he said his strength lies in grassroots mobilisation, citing his role in previous presidential campaigns.

"My strength is in mobilisation, not in taking people to get killed in demonstrations. I mobilised in 2007 and Kibaki became President. I mobilised in 2013 and 2017 and Uhuru became President. In 2022, I mobilised and Ruto became President," he said.

Gachagua added that he intends to play a decisive role in the 2027 General Election.

"I am in the business of making presidents. And I'm in the process of taking one home and making another one," he said.

He also alleged that enforced disappearances had resumed, accused the government of human rights violations, and claimed a police unit he identified as "Squad 101" had been reactivated to target government critics.

Gachagua further urged the international community to closely monitor Kenya's human rights situation.