Bungle la Mwananchi president Calvin ‘Gaucho’ vows to continue Azimio protests after release
Calvin Okoth aka Gaucho, the self-declared president of the Bunge la Mwananchi, says his consistent arrests and detentions will not deter him from advocating for the rights of the commoner.
In his latest arrest, Gaucho was released on March 28, 2023, after two days in custody.
Addressing the press upon his release, the activist expressed confidence his efforts to put President William Ruto’s government in check will bear fruits.
Gaucho has consistently been addressing Kenyans while blasting President Ruto’s regime for failing to keep his pre-election promises of lowering the cost of living.
“We are the ones who started this protest to reduce the cost of living. The Azimio leaders joined us along the way,” he said.
“As the president of the youths, I will continue advocating for their rights.”
He also shared his experience while behind bars for close to 48 hours.
“Young men are in custody because of cannabis. They misuse drugs to forget their problems. And as long as we have unemployment, the government will have to build more jails.”
Gaucho, who is a well-known ally and supporter of Azimio leader Raila Odinga, was arrested on March 25, 2023, reportedly by officers attached to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
His lawyer Dunstan Omari said he was picked alongside three other people and detained at the Kiambu Police Station.
According to Omari, the three, who are members of the Azimio-allied Movement for Defense of Democracy (MDD), were initially taken to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters after being held separately at Limuru and Karuri without any specified charges being preferred against them.
“One of them was taken to Limuru and the other to Karuri in Kiambu County. They have been brought to DCI offices in Mazingira House,” he said.
“They have been told to record a statement concerning allegations that they participated in an illegal protest.”
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