Calvin Okoth, popularly known as Gaucho, is under fire on social media after a video surfaced allegedly showing him directing a group of boda boda riders to disrupt anti-Finance Bill protests in Nairobi’s CBD.
The clip, widely shared on X and TikTok, captures the Bunge la Mwananchi president instructing the group to “deal with” anyone who dares demonstrate against Finance Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi during the reading of the 2025/26 budget in Parliament.
“Kesho wale wanajaribu kufanya maandamano against Mbadi kwa hii Finance Bill tumepata,” Gaucho is heard saying in the viral video, suggesting a premeditated plan to silence dissenters.
Gaucho ike shida atajiletea he will cry alone mjinga pic.twitter.com/PgXrcczhKS
— Boniface (@kilundeezy) June 12, 2025
The video sparked public outrage, with Kenyans online accusing Gaucho of mobilising government-backed goons to sabotage the peaceful protest.
June 12 protest was sparked by the controversial death of blogger Albert Ojwang and rising frustrations over the Finance Bill.
Protesters marched through parts of Nairobi demanding justice, carrying placards bearing the message “Justice for Ojwang” and hoisting Standard newspapers with headlines pointing fingers at senior police officials.
However, chaos erupted near the Kenya Cinema area when two vehicles were set ablaze. Online users alleged that the fires were started by men believed to be working under Gaucho’s instructions.
Protesters claimed the violence was orchestrated to paint the demonstrators as unruly and justify police crackdowns. Teargas canisters were fired, water cannons deployed, and some businesses were closed as panic swept through the CBD.
Adding fuel to the fury, Gaucho has previously been accused of stoking tribal divisions. In a past speech, he dared the Kikuyu community to face off with other tribes after the 2027 elections if they still believed they were descendants of the Mau Mau.
In a later statement, Gaucho denied being behind the violence, stating that his comments were misinterpreted.
Gaucho clarified that his intention was to “protect CS Mbadi” from tribal prejudice. “Nyinyi hamkuamini Mbadi anaweza soma budget juu mnaamini pesa ni yenu na haifai kusomwa na mjaluo,” he said in a defensive post.
— The Nairobi Times (@TheNairobiTimez) June 14, 2025
He noted that he said that CS Mbadi should be protected while he was reading the budget.
The vocal mobiliser added he belonged to the ODM party and he will defend the current government.
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