How Gachagua’s ‘Police Kissing’ Remarks Have Come Back to Haunt Him

In an era where the internet keeps receipts, past statements have a way of resurfacing, especially when they clash with current positions.  

Kenya’s former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is now facing the weight of his own words. A remark he made during the 2023 anti-government protests has re-emerged online, drawing backlash from Kenyans who see a sharp contrast between then and now. 

As he speaks out against police brutality in 2025, many are reminding him of what he said in 2023. 

In July 2023, while serving as Deputy President under President William Ruto, Gachagua defended the police during opposition-led anti-government protests against the controversial Finance Bill. 

The protests, which were fueled by widespread frustration over the soaring cost of living and controversial tax hikes, were met with a forceful reaction from the police. 

Across the country, several demonstrators were injured, and others lost their lives in confrontations with security forces.

Speaking in Murang'a in July 2023, Gachagua offered unwavering support for law enforcement, placing responsibility squarely on the protesters. He argued that had they stayed off the streets, there would have been no need for police intervention.

“I want to encourage our officers in uniform, the gallant men and women who have lived up to their oath of office to protect life and property from criminals,” he said. 

“We want to urge our officers to stay put and not be bothered by unnecessary criticism. If those people do not want the police on the streets, all they need to do is keep off the streets. Had they not come to the streets, our policemen would not have left the police lines,” he added. 

The most memorable and controversial part of his statement was: “Don’t sit there and imagine that you can destroy property, kill people, and the police can come and kiss you.”

In June 2025, Gachagua, no longer in government, issued a strongly worded statement on his Facebook page condemning police brutality during protests sparked by the death of Albert Ojwang, a young teacher and blogger who died in police custody. 

His death triggered nationwide demonstrations, with many Kenyans accusing the state of silencing dissent and violating constitutional rights. 

The police again responded with force. Several protestors were injured, and images of violence flooded social media.

In a lengthy Facebook post, Gachagua decried the brutality. “Young people and patriotic Kenyans expressing themselves on the death of an innocent Albert Ojwang have been beaten up, their property destroyed, and lives lost in the peaceful protests,” he wrote. 

“Kenyans enjoying their constitutional right to assembly and expression are invaded by the police and state-sponsored goons under the full glare of the camera, and the whole world stages our nation as a pariah state, Mr. President, Gachagua added.

While his tone was markedly different from that of 2023, many Kenyans were quick to point out the contradiction. Social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook lit up with reminders of his earlier statements. Here are some of the posts: