Gachagua Fires Back at Ruto Over Young Leaders, Raises Questions About Gen Z Protest Deaths

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has launched a fresh attack on President William Ruto, questioning his administration’s record on youth issues after the Head of State defended several young politicians against criticism from his former deputy.

In a statement issued on Tuesday night, November 10, the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader challenged Ruto to explain what he described as the government’s failure to address the concerns of young Kenyans.

Gachagua questioned the President’s recent remarks about giving young leaders an opportunity to grow politically, arguing that the administration’s actions did not match its public statements.

Addressing Ruto as “Mr Taxes”, the former Deputy President accused him of neglecting Kenyans despite collecting taxes from them.

“Mr. Taxes, think of and address the 55 million Kenyans you neglected and squandered their hard-earned taxes over the last four years. I hear you are claiming that young leaders are being denied a chance to lead! Interesting! Strange! Is that really you talking about young Kenyans?” Gachagua posed.

He also turned the discussion towards the deaths of young people during the June 25, 2024 Gen Z protests and the 2025 Saba Saba demonstrations.

The former Deputy President challenged Ruto to account for the young Kenyans who lost their lives during the demonstrations, making the issue a central part of his response to the President’s comments.

Gachagua further questioned the Head of State over his repeated use of the phrase ‘kusafirisha watu’, demanding to know who could be the next target.

“You have variously and severally talked about kusafirisha watu! Who is next on the safari?” he added.

The exchange followed Ruto’s remarks during his visit to Kisii County on Tuesday, where he criticised Gachagua over his attacks on Kiharu Member of Parliament Ndindi Nyoro and other emerging political figures.

The President compared the former Deputy President’s alleged treatment of young politicians to the biblical King Herod, whom he invoked as an example of an established leader feeling threatened by the rise of younger figures.

Ruto specifically mentioned Nyoro, Kisii Governor Simba Arati, Nyaribari Chache MP Zaheer Jhanda and Senator John Methu among leaders he said should be allowed to develop their political careers without intimidation.

He also named Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah, Aaron Cheruiyot and Osoro while questioning why Gachagua was engaging in political battles with younger leaders.

The President maintained that established politicians should eventually make room for a younger generation, promising that he would leave office in 2032 alongside Gachagua and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka.

The latest exchange highlights the widening political differences between Ruto and his former deputy as political discussions ahead of the 2027 General Election continue to gain momentum.

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