Why Is Gachagua Criticizing Ruto’s Handling of the Gen Z Crisis?
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has openly criticized President William Ruto’s response to the growing discontent among Gen Z youth, calling him “extremely confused.” Speaking while on a visit to the United States, Gachagua accused Ruto of constantly shifting blame instead of addressing the core issues raised by young Kenyans.
“He is a very confused person, extremely confused. When the Gen Z protests began in 2024, he called it an attempted coup. Then he blamed NGOs, then the Ford Foundation. Recently, he said it was the church; then the opposition; and just this Sunday, he blamed the parents for poor parenting. William Ruto, can you make up your mind on what ails the country!” Gachagua said during his stop in Dracut, Massachusetts.
President Ruto recently told parents of Gen Z protesters that “the police are not responsible for raising their children,” a statement that has drawn criticism for deflecting responsibility.
Are Gen Z Protests Politically Instigated?
While some Kenya Kwanza leaders have accused Gachagua and former President Uhuru Kenyatta of fueling youth demonstrations for political gain, Gachagua insists the accusations are a smokescreen to distract from the government’s failings.
“Instead of listening to the Gen Z on the issues they are highlighting, such as abductions, the President says these young people have been incited by Riggy G and former President Uhuru Kenyatta. It seems the President is out of touch with the real problems in Kenya, he has given seven different reasons so far,” Gachagua stated.
What Does Gachagua Say About the Real Issues Facing Kenya?
The former Deputy President, now head of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), dismissed the government’s claims as attempts to undermine legitimate youth-led movements. “It is simply because the President does not want to accept that he has lost direction. He refuses to acknowledge the real problems and instead blames political incitement,” he said.
Meanwhile, his wife Dorcas Rigathi also responded to personal attacks made against her, particularly claims that she has undue influence over her husband. “They say I have ‘sat on him’. How can I sit on someone who is causing sleepless nights for the whole country?” she said.
As Gachagua continues his U.S. tour to engage the Kenyan diaspora, his remarks have reignited public debate over how the government is handling the demands and frustrations of the country’s youth.
By Yockshard Enyendi