Gathungu to Raila: Dialogue with the dead Gen Zs first

By Newsflash Reporter

Leshau Pondo MCA Gathungu Kamau has hit out at ODM leader Raila Odinga over his recent call for dialogue with the Gen Z protesters, accusing him of hypocrisy and challenging him to instead speak with the victims of police brutality who lost their lives during the recent anti-government protests.

Speaking on Friday, July 18, at Magutu village in Ndaragwa Constituency during the emotional burial of Harrison Wachira—a 36-year-old man who was shot by police in Thika during the Saba Saba protests on July 7—Gathungu delivered a fiery speech condemning both the government and its allies for the bloodshed witnessed across the country.

“When time comes, we shall vote out this government and all its apologists because of butchering innocent children like Harrison Wachira,” said Gathungu.

Wachira, who was born in 1988, had opened his small electronics repair shop on the morning of July 7 as usual. But as the youth-led protests escalated, he closed early for safety.

Tragically, he was struck by a bullet in the neck, becoming one of the many faces of a growing list of victims of police brutality. He was later seen in a viral video being dragged from a car by police, a harrowing image that has ignited public outrage across the country.

“Speak to the dead, not the living”

Gathungu took issue with Raila’s call for dialogue with the youth, arguing that any meaningful engagement should start with the dead.

“Raila Odinga says that he wants to have a dialogue with the youth, so that they can discuss their challenges. We want to tell Raila, if they will have those talks, they should discuss with Rex Masai whom they killed, Albert Ojwang’ whom they killed, Boniface Kariuki and Harrison Wachira.”

“However, they will not discuss anything by Gen Zs who are alive because they are the ones who have orchestrated all these problems,” emphasized Gathungu.

Eulogy of the late Harrison Wachira. Photo/Newsflash

The MCA, who has declared interest in contesting the Ndaragwa parliamentary seat in 2027, did not spare local leadership either. He directly criticized area MP George Gachagua for failing to attend the funeral and stand with the family during their time of grief.

“Anyone who supports Ruto has a hand in Harrison’s death. The area MP [George Gachagua] ought to be here castigating the government for these killings as this is a voter from Ndaragwa. But because he dines with the State, he cannot be able to attend,” he said.

Gathungu called out President William Ruto, accusing him of prioritizing infrastructure development over human life.

“President Ruto, please don’t construct for us more roads, if you will continue killing our children.”

Raila’s call for dialogue

Raila Odinga had made his remarks during the funeral of Alison Sigei in Bomet on Saturday, July 12, where he suggested that Kenya must embrace peaceful dialogue over constant street protests.

“We should not hold protests always. There is the appropriate time for holding protests. That is why I looked around and said that a time has come for Kenyans to sit down and talk,” said Raila.

“The protesting youth, called the Gen Zs, are not mad. They are our children. Let’s talk with these children, men and women.”

But the timing and tone of Raila’s message have stirred anger among sections of the political class and civil society, who view it as a late attempt to sanitize the government while sidestepping justice for the deceased protesters.

In his eulogy, Harrison was remembered as a peace-loving and industrious youth who was unjustly killed by those entrusted with protecting him.

“It is deeply painful that the very people we entrust with our safety were the ones who ended his life using state firearms. Harrison’s death is not just a personal loss: it is a painful and undeniable reminder of the urgent need for police reforms and accountability in our country. Your aura still angers among us,” read part of his eulogy.

Methu: “Ruto is no shepherd”

Also present at the funeral was Nyandarua Senator John Methu, who echoed Gathungu’s sentiments and unleashed a barrage of criticism aimed at President Ruto. He accused the Head of State of violating key moral and biblical principles.

“He has disobeyed nearly all the Ten Commandments like… do not kill (the sixth commandment), do not lie, do not like other people’s property…”

Nyandarua Senator John Methu. Photo/Handout

Methu ridiculed Ruto’s construction of a mega-church at State House, calling it a contradiction given the state-sanctioned killings of youth.

“If the person building a church at State House professes the real Christianity, we may think he is doing something. But for a person ordering our children to be shot while in State House, do you think there is true worship happening there?”

“What he wants to build is a Satanic foundation in that church,” said Methu.

“He should not build a church because he has not completed the work he was given by wananchi. Building of a church is the work of the clergy,” he added.

Methu also warned that the political tide was turning against Ruto across the country.

“We were at the Coast, they are saying one term. Ukambani, Maasailand and Western, they are all saying: ‘one term.’ I have a meeting tomorrow (today) in Nakuru, and I know they will embrace the same song. We want to push Ruto to the corner, until the Sugoi locals themselves embrace the mantra. They will be the last people to declare ‘one term’ in 2026, due to his exploitative policies.”

Methu endorses Gathungu

Methu concluded by announcing that he had entrusted Gathungu with overseeing affairs in Ndaragwa during his absence. The senator revealed that he has been mandated to lead the Kikuyu community by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who is currently on a two-month tour in the United States.

“And you, Gathungu, together with those who are here, as you know I have been tasked with the responsibility of shepherding our community. If I go to the Mountain like Moses to get the commandments and find our community worshipping idols, you will explain to me what you have been doing,” said Methu.