Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has publicly rebuked President William Ruto following the Head of State’s fiery speech on Wednesday, in which he accused unnamed politicians of inciting youth to topple his government through unlawful means.
While commissioning a police housing project in Nairobi’s Kilimani area, Ruto expressed frustration over what he termed as attempts to destabilize his administration before 2027. “Let them try,” Ruto warned, insisting that Kenya is a democratic nation and leadership can only be changed through the ballot.
But Gachagua, addressing a press conference at his Karen residence hours later, urged the President to tone down his anger and instead address the real grievances driving Kenyans to the streets. “Mr. Ruto, excessive anger is not a solution,” Gachagua said. “Stop being angry. The people of Kenya are angrier than you. They are overtaxed, battling corruption, and facing police brutality.”
Gachagua, who was impeached in October 2024 after falling out with Ruto, criticized the administration for ignoring widespread public outcry over the high cost of living, arbitrary arrests, and killings of protesters. He said the youth-led protests are a symptom of deep societal frustration and not a plot to overthrow the government.
“Nobody wants to remove you through unconstitutional means,” Gachagua stated. “We want to vote you out in 2027—unless you choose to resign.”
The former deputy president warned Ruto against using the protests as an excuse to invoke the Terrorism Act and persecute political opponents. He accused the regime of ethnic profiling and deploying militia groups to disrupt demonstrations and destroy private property.
Gachagua urged the President to repeal the contentious housing levy, stop extrajudicial killings, and end the persecution of dissenting voices. He called for the creation of jobs and restoration of the middle class’s purchasing power, stressing that sustainable peace would only come through listening to the people.
“Stop killing and profiling youth,” Gachagua concluded. “Listen to them. Kenyans want dignity, not bullets.”
