Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has launched a scathing attack on President William Ruto, accusing him of hypocrisy and using allies to silence critics through insults and intimidation. Speaking during a church service at Dandora AIPCA in Embakasi North on Sunday, Gachagua did not mince words as he blamed Ruto for cultivating a culture of disrespect and insults, which he claimed has trickled down to Kenya’s youth.
“You are the one who started the trend of insulting leaders. You told us Uhuru is a drunkard and Raila is a witch. Now you are sending your allies to insult Kenyans, and our children are learning from you,” Gachagua declared.
He singled out Kikuyu MP and Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah and Dadaab MP Farah Maalim as key offenders, describing Ichung’wah as Ruto’s “hand boy” who carries out attacks on behalf of the President.
Gachagua emphasized the need for accountability, urging Ruto to restrain his allies before blaming parents for their children’s behavior. He accused the President of hypocrisy in criticizing the youth while failing to set a positive example.
“In as much as you say that we have not brought up our children well, before you remove the speck in our eye, remove the log in yours,” Gachagua said.
The former Mathira MP also condemned the recent wave of abductions targeting young Kenyans critical of the government, calling on Ruto to stop persecuting dissenters. He urged the government to charge and prosecute critics in court rather than resorting to abductions and torture.
“You should not fear being put in coffins because one day you will die. Being drawn in a coffin doesn’t mean you are dead. Death is natural, and it will come,” he said, referring to caricatures and AI-generated images posted online by youths.
Gachagua warned that Kenyans were silently seething with anger over what he called Ruto’s lies and betrayal, vowing that their frustration would be unleashed at the ballot box.
“We cannot destroy our property. We shall live with our anger in our hearts until the day to show our fury comes. We shall repay. Continue doing what you want, but the right time is coming,” he said.
The fiery address was attended by Gachagua’s allies, including MPs James Gakuya (Embakasi North), Wanjiku Muhia (Kipipiri), John Kaguchia (Mukurweini), and former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu. Leaders at the event also raised concerns over the government’s mishandling of youth affairs, with Kipipiri MP Muhia criticizing the administration for eroding gains made in education and employment under previous regimes.
As the political battle intensifies, Gachagua’s bold accusations signal growing cracks within Kenya Kwanza, setting the stage for a heated showdown in the coming months.
