What Prompted Gachagua’s Strong Criticism of President Ruto?
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has issued a direct rebuke to President William Ruto following his fiery address on Wednesday, where Ruto accused unnamed political figures of inciting the youth to force him out of office before 2027. Speaking in Kilimani during the launch of a police housing project, Ruto said, “Let them try. This is a democratic nation and Kenyans will choose the nation’s leadership through the ballot. We cannot choose leadership through violence. That is not going to happen in this country.”
Shortly after, Gachagua held a press briefing at his Karen home where he urged Ruto to focus less on anger and more on listening to public concerns. “Mr Ruto, excessive anger is not a solution; I want to humbly advise you to stop being angry; that won’t help. You need to know what you need to know because you have not been listening to the people of Kenya,” he said.
Why Are Kenyans Angry, According to Gachagua?
Gachagua, who was impeached in October after falling out with the president, said Kenyans are far more frustrated than Ruto due to unbearable taxes, corruption, extrajudicial killings, and ethnic profiling. “They are angrier than you are because you have overtaxed them; there is wanton corruption, extrajudicial killings, ethnic profiling, and other ills that bedevil your administration,” he said.
He added that Ruto was using a false coup narrative to target political opponents. “No one wants to overthrow your government or get you out of power through unconstitutional means. We want to remove you from the State House through the ballot in 2027… Unless you decide to resign on your own volition,” he stated. “Please relax, we want you to serve your one term. Stop crying wolf, no leader is planning a coup.”
What Changes Is Gachagua Demanding from the Government?
Calling for immediate reforms, Gachagua urged Ruto to scrap the controversial housing levy and focus on job creation by rebuilding the economy. “Stop killing and profiling youth, listen to them; stop abductions and extra-judicial killings,” he said. He also accused the government of “organizing a militia” to destroy private property during protests.
Nationwide protests against Ruto’s administration have grown in intensity since June, largely driven by the cost of living crisis and suppression of dissent. Many demonstrations have ended violently, with documented incidents of police using live ammunition, resulting in deaths, injuries, and abductions of peaceful protesters.
By Yockshard Enyendi