Former Deputy President and leader of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), Rigathi Gachagua, has revealed that his sons were the driving force behind his recent criticism of President William Ruto’s remarks describing Kenyan youths as “terrorists.”
Speaking during an open youth forum on Thursday, Gachagua shared that his sons, Kevin and Keith, confronted him after hearing Ruto’s statements, expressing disappointment in how the youth were being characterised.
“That statement I made in Mombasa, I was pushed by my sons. Everybody listens to their children. They told me Ruto called the youths criminals. My children sat me down and told me, ‘Dad, your boss has called us criminals,’” Gachagua said.
The former DP explained that his sons urged him to respond immediately, prompting him to hold a press conference where he openly criticised Ruto’s administration for unfairly labelling young protesters as criminals and terrorists.
Gachagua went on to praise the youth for their courage and influence in shaping Kenya’s political landscape, urging them to continue standing firm for justice and progress.
“Once you guys decide what should happen to this country, your voice matters. If you do the right thing, then history will judge you kindly,” he told the audience.
The remarks come less than a year after Gachagua’s Mombasa press briefing in June 2024, where he addressed the anti-Finance Bill protests that shook the nation. During that event, he faulted NIS Director-General Noordin Haji for allegedly failing to warn the government of the public’s discontent, which he claimed led to unnecessary bloodshed.
“Had the NIS briefed the president earlier about the people’s frustrations, so many Kenyans would not have died,” Gachagua said.
As the 2027 general elections approach, Gachagua’s latest comments signal his growing alignment with Kenya’s youth movement — a group he believes holds the power to reshape the country’s political destiny.
