Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has explained why he did not participate in the June 25 memorial demonstrations, saying he deliberately stayed away after concluding that the protests posed significant security risks.

Speaking a day after the nationwide demonstrations, Gachagua said his decision followed consultations with political allies and supporters during meetings held at his Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri County. He described the planned protests as “a trap,” arguing that attending them could have exposed both leaders and demonstrators to unnecessary danger.

His remarks came after thousands of Kenyans, largely led by young people, took to the streets across several towns to commemorate those who lost their lives during the June 2024 anti-government protests. The anniversary demonstrations served as a remembrance of last year’s protests, which began over the Finance Bill before expanding into broader calls for government accountability, police reforms and improved governance.

Despite his absence, Gachagua praised demonstrators for conducting what he described as peaceful protests. He commended participants for exercising restraint and urged Kenyans to continue pursuing democratic and constitutional means in seeking political change.

The demonstrations attracted heightened security deployment, particularly in Nairobi, where police restricted access to several key government installations and parts of the Central Business District. Authorities also confirmed that several arrests were made during the protests, although the exact circumstances surrounding some of the arrests continue to attract public scrutiny.

Gachagua has remained one of the government’s outspoken critics since leaving office and has consistently aligned himself with calls for greater accountability and reforms. His comments are expected to add to the ongoing political debate surrounding the June 25 anniversary demonstrations and the broader conversation on governance and citizens’ right to peaceful assembly.

The anniversary protests have once again placed issues of police accountability, governance and public participation at the centre of Kenya’s political discourse, with civil society groups and opposition leaders calling for continued dialogue on the concerns raised by young Kenyans during last year’s demonstrations.