Gachagua: Why Gen Zs love me and hold me in high regard

In a video seen by the Star, Gachagua said his decision to defend Gen Zs after the June 2025 protests stemmed from his deep affection for them.

“The young people call me Riggy G. You know, Gen Zs are my people. When the President came down hard on them after the June 25, 2024, protests, I held a press conference in Mombasa and said, ‘These are my sons and daughters,’” Gachagua said.

The former DP also explained why he believes Gen Zs like him, attributing it to his simplicity and down-to-earth demeanour.

“Gen Zs love me because I’m simple. I understand them, and I appreciate them,” he said.

Gachagua has expressed admiration for the youth and urged them to register as voters ahead of the 2027 general election.

During the June 25 protests, some politicians accused Gachagua of hijacking the Gen Z movement to destabilise the government—claims he has repeatedly denied.

However, in a February interview with Luhya-language radio stations, the former DP said he was not involved in the June–July 2024 anti-government protests led by the youth. He claimed the allegations were part of a plot to oust him from office.

“When the Gen Z uprising began, I was already wanted out of government,” Gachagua said.

“I was accused of organising and financing the protests. I didn’t do any of that. If those good children had asked me to lead them, I would have gladly done so.”

On February 4, 2025, Gachagua declared his full support for Kenyan youth, whom he described as a decisive force in the upcoming 2027 general election.

He urged them to not only engage online but also register as voters.

“The youth are the main decision-makers of who will lead this country. They have immense power, and that’s why I urge them to move beyond online protests and register as voters. That’s where real decisions are made,” he said.

“I may not have participated in their protests, but I fully support their cause. They are fearless and speak their minds.”

The former DP’s remarks come as political heavyweights scramble to win over the youth vote, with the Gen Z population projected to surpass 10 million by the 2027 elections.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) recently announced plans to register 5.6 million new voters, the majority of whom have just turned 18.

Gen Z’s growing political relevance was evident during the June anti-tax demonstrations, which nearly brought President William Ruto’s administration to a standstill. Their exceptional mobilisation skills, powered by platforms like X, WhatsApp, TikTok, and Instagram, played a key role in organising and spreading the movement.

Political analysts say Kenya’s youth will wield significant influence in the 2027 elections, not only through their strong social media presence but also in shaping voting patterns and preferences.

“The people who will rise to the top are those who resonate with the issues Gen Zs have raised,” said political analyst Charles Munyui.

“Those who relate to their concerns will have the advantage. It would be unwise to assume that the youth will not participate in the elections.”