By Peter Mwibanda | Nairobi (IP)
NAIROBI, Kenya (IP) .
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Wednesday accused President William Ruto’s government of criminalizing dissent, using militia-like tactics, and misapplying terrorism laws to stifle peaceful protests — particularly in the Mt. Kenya region.
In a blistering statement, Gachagua, now leader of the Democratic Change Party (DCP), warned that the government’s growing use of intimidation, arbitrary arrests, and repressive legislation threatens Kenya’s democracy and civil liberties.
“We are seeing a government that treats peaceful demonstrators as terrorists,” Gachagua said.
“Terror laws are for actual threats to national security — not for unarmed Gen Zs on the streets demanding accountability. This is a tragic misuse of the law.”
Protest as ‘Terrorism’.
His comments come amid criticism over the state’s reliance on the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) to justify detaining protesters and conducting mass arrests. Legal experts and civil society groups say the move is unconstitutional.
“The law is clear,” said veteran constitutional lawyer John Khaminwa.
“For terrorism charges to hold, the accused must have used or threatened actual violence to intimidate the public or influence the government. Peaceful protests, even if disruptive, do not qualify.”
Rights groups say the use of terror laws is bypassing due process, with protest leaders allegedly held incommunicado, denied bail, and charged without sufficient evidence.
Mt. Kenya ‘Being Profiled’
Gachagua also claimed that Mt. Kenya counties — including Nyeri, Kirinyaga, and Murang’a — are being disproportionately targeted by security forces.
“This is not law enforcement — it’s profiling,” he said. “We are seeing a return to colonial-style suppression aimed at silencing economic and political powerhouses.”
He alleged that youth in the region are facing abductions and live ammunition for simply demanding jobs and justice.
“This region has always played a central role in shaping Kenya’s future,” he said. “But now, our youth are being met with bullets and fear.”
Housing Levy a ‘Distraction.
The DCP leader dismissed the government’s focus on the controversial Housing Levy as a “distraction from the real issues,” urging President Ruto to address the concerns driving the protests — including unemployment, over-taxation, corruption, and inequality.
“These young people are not enemies of the state,” he said. “They are the future. And they’re saying: ‘We want to inherit a country that works.’ But instead of listening, this regime is detaining them.”
Constitution vs. Coercion
Article 37 of Kenya’s 2010 Constitution guarantees the right to peaceful assembly. However, recent protests have been met with a militarized response — including mass arrests, shootings, and reports of abductions by unidentified individuals.
“The problem is not the protests — it’s the government’s refusal to address why people are protesting,” said Florence Mboya, a human rights advocate.
“We’re watching our Constitution being torn apart by those meant to uphold it.”
‘Stop Hiding Behind Police Uniforms’
With growing public frustration and mounting international concern, Gachagua called on Ruto to end the crackdown and engage the protesters directly.
“Stop hiding behind police uniforms and bad laws,” he said. “Face the people with honesty.”
As Gen Z demonstrators continue to chant “Kenya is ours,” the government’s hardline response is fueling fears of authoritarian drift — and rallying former allies into vocal opposition.
Peter Mwibanda is a Nairobi-based political analyst and blogger focused on governance, human rights, and democratic reform.
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