Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has hailed Gen Z protesters and Kenyans for what he described as a peaceful commemoration of the June 25 anniversary, while urging citizens to pursue political change through the ballot in the 2027 General Election.
In a statement on Thursday following nationwide memorial processions marking two years since the 2024 anti-government protests, Gachagua thanked young people for exercising restraint and heeding his earlier appeal to avoid situations that could lead to injuries or loss of life.
He said June 25 should be remembered as the day young Kenyans exercised their democratic rights and paid tribute to those who lost their lives during last year's demonstrations.
"Today, June 25, 2026, wasn't just another day in Kenya. We remembered what they did to our children. We shall never forget," Gachagua said.
The former Deputy President thanked Gen Z, parents, business owners and members of the public for what he said was their decision to stay safe during the anniversary events.
"I sincerely thank my dear sons and daughters—the Gen Zs—for heeding my plea to avoid death and injury," he said.
Gachagua also thanked traders and business owners who closed their premises, saying their actions helped safeguard businesses and communities during the commemorations.
"I further extend great thanks to the business people, traders and neighbourhoods for trusting my better judgement and information and shutting down your premises and securing your towns and communities," he said.
The former Deputy President also thanked what he described as patriotic police officers and civil servants who, according to him, shared information with him ahead of the demonstrations.
He claimed the information influenced his decision to advise Kenyans to avoid situations that could expose them to danger.
Addressing young people directly, he urged them to remain patient and pursue change through constitutional means.
"To the Gen Zs, please know that tactical retreat is not surrender but strategy. Let them know that caution is not cowardice but wisdom," he said.
He appealed to Kenyans to register as voters ahead of the 2027 General Election, saying the country's future would be determined through the ballot.
"I plead with the people of Kenya to stay alive, stay safe and register as voters, for we all have a date with destiny to liberate our country on August 10, 2027. We shall liberate our country through the mechanism provided for by our Constitution; the ballot," Gachagua said.
He added that the restraint shown during the June 25 anniversary reflected what he described as Kenyans' desire to express themselves peacefully while looking ahead to the next General Election.
