‘If You Don’t, We Will Shut Down This Country’— Gachagua Issues Fuel Price Demand
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has taken a combative stance against President William Ruto, launching a multifaceted political and legal offensive that has gripped the nation.
Leading the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), the former Deputy President has issued a strict seven-day ultimatum to the Head of State to slash fuel prices, threatening to mobilize nationwide protests if the demand is not met.
During a spirited rally in Dagoretti, Gachagua accused the administration of failing to deliver on its core campaign promises.
“He lied that he would put money in people’s pockets, instead, he took the little that was there. He increased the price of petrol. We are giving you seven days to remove that thirty shillings on fuel; if you don’t, we will shut down this country,” he said during the rally as quoted by Citizen.
The political firebrand did not stop at economic grievances as he attacked the President’s recent remarks regarding boda boda operators, labeling them as disconnected from the realities faced by ordinary Kenyans.
Furthermore, Gachagua lamented the state of the public healthcare system, alleging that the Social Health Authority (SHA) is underperforming, which he claims has forced political leaders to organize constant fundraisers for medical bills.
Demonstrating his resolve, the DCP leader introduced a new campaign strategy termed “Operation Fagia.”
Drawing a sharp line in the sand, Gachagua likened his political strategy to pest control, stating, “All those who are with Ruto must be swept out. When we kill a snake, we break its eggs too.”
Mounting Political Pressure
The opposition within the DCP ranks continues to intensify, with Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala joining the calls for accountability.
Malala pledged a symbolic campaign to protest the high cost of living, suggesting that party supporters would send one-shilling contributions to the President until they reached three million, effectively challenging him to demonstrate whether such a sum is sufficient for the average household.
Legal Battles Escalate
Parallel to these political confrontations, Gachagua is now navigating a high-stakes legal battle. He has been sued for defamation by Jackson Kiplimo, the chair of Stabex International Limited, alongside two affiliated firms. The lawsuit, filed at the High Court, stems from public remarks Gachagua allegedly made on April 5, 2026, at an AIPCA Gakoe Church gathering in Kiambu County.
The plaintiffs accuse the former Deputy President of falsely linking their companies to the government-to-government (G2G) petroleum import framework. They contend that Gachagua recklessly alleged that the President had accrued over Sh1.5 trillion in profits through these firms since assuming office.
The former Mathira MP reportedly claimed that officials at the Kenya Pipeline Company and the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) were orchestrating parallel, unauthorized fuel import schemes.
Stabex International maintains that these claims are entirely baseless, asserting that the company operates legitimately across East Africa. Having received no response to a demand letter sent on April 9, the plaintiffs are now seeking general and exemplary damages, along with a permanent injunction to prevent further dissemination of the allegations.
