Governor Wanga Says Gachagua Is Manipulating Youth Protests for Political Gain
She warned that ODM, which supports the current inclusive government under President Ruto, would not tolerate attempts to incite unrest or derail the administration through illegal demonstrations disguised as youth activism.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
By Juliet Jerotich
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) National Chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has accused former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of exploiting the ongoing Gen Z demonstrations to pursue his political agenda and seek power through illegitimate means.
Governor Wanga claimed that Gachagua has aligned himself with the youth-led protests erupting in Nairobi and other regions across Kenya, allegedly using them as a smokescreen to destabilize President William Ruto’s administration and orchestrate a political takeover.
While addressing residents at Asumbi National School in Rangwe Constituency—where she presided over the distribution of Ksh.50 million in bursaries from the Rangwe NG-CDF—Wanga cautioned Gachagua against manipulating a genuine public movement to advance his own ambitions.
“What we are seeing is not just organic discontent—it is being hijacked and influenced by political actors with ulterior motives,” Wanga stated. “Gachagua is hiding behind the frustration of our youth to push for a backdoor entry into power. Let him be patient and wait for 2027 like every other aspiring leader.”
She warned that ODM, which supports the current inclusive government under President Ruto, would not tolerate attempts to incite unrest or derail the administration through illegal demonstrations disguised as youth activism.
Wanga further criticized what she described as a calculated effort by opposition leaders to provoke instability in the country under the pretense of standing with the youth, saying their real intention is to unsettle the government and create conditions for political chaos.
“We cannot allow anyone to misuse the anger of the young generation for selfish political gain,” she said. “True leadership means offering solutions—not manipulating others to rise to power.”
Rangwe MP Lilian Gogo, who also attended the event, echoed Wanga’s sentiments. She urged political figures to engage through democratic processes and stop using the Gen Z movement as cover for their personal interests.
“Our youth have legitimate concerns that deserve attention, but it is wrong for leaders to hijack their voice for political gamesmanship,” said Gogo.
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