NAIROBI, Kenya Jun 24 – Former Deputy President and Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has appealed to Kenyans to avoid participating in Thursday’s planned Gen Z commemoration protests, warning of possible violence and insecurity during the demonstrations.

Addressing journalists on Tuesday, Gachagua claimed there were plans to infiltrate the protests with criminal gangs in parts of the Mt Kenya region and Nairobi, allegations he said were based on intelligence reports from undisclosed sources.

The former Deputy President alleged that some senior government officials were behind the alleged mobilisation of goons to disrupt the protests and create unrest in areas perceived to support the opposition.

He further claimed that certain police officers had expressed discomfort over alleged instructions to keep away from some protest zones, claims that have not been independently verified.

Gachagua accused the government of failing to prevent violence witnessed during previous anti-government demonstrations, where several people reportedly lost their lives and businesses were destroyed.

He maintained that young people should avoid risking their safety in the planned protests and instead pursue political change through democratic and constitutional means ahead of the 2027 General Election.

“I urge our young people not to endanger their lives. There are safer and constitutional ways to push for change,” Gachagua said.

The DCP leader also urged business owners, motorists and residents in Nairobi, Mt Kenya, Kajiado and Narok counties to remain indoors on Thursday as a precautionary measure.

According to Gachagua, a nationwide stay-at-home action would send a stronger political message without exposing citizens to violence or destruction.

He additionally accused security agencies of failing to deal firmly with criminal groups allegedly involved in recent demonstrations, while linking some of the unrest to politically motivated operations.

The Interior Ministry and other officials mentioned in Gachagua’s allegations had not responded publicly to the claims by Tuesday evening.

The planned Gen Z demonstrations are expected to commemorate victims of last year’s anti-government protests while also highlighting concerns over governance, accountability and the rising cost of living.