Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Saturday launched a scathing attack on President William Ruto’s administration, accusing it of misleading the youth, weakening public institutions and issuing reckless security pronouncements that have deepened mistrust between the state and young Kenyans.
Speaking in Nairobi while meeting interim leaders of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) student caucus, Gachagua said the government’s approach to youth issues was marked by “casual pronouncements devoid of the right policy, blatant lies, hate propaganda on the youth, shoot-to-kill orders, and the collapse of institutions.”
“These are not small matters. They define a regime that has lost touch with its people, especially the youth,” Gachagua said, appearing alongside Nyandarua Senator Kaba Methu. “Name them — we see them every day.”
The meeting brought together student leaders from universities and other institutions of higher learning, a constituency that has grown increasingly restless amid rising unemployment, a controversial higher education funding model and repeated confrontations with police during street protests. Over the past year, young Kenyans have led nationwide demonstrations against tax hikes, the high cost of living and governance failures, with several protests ending in deaths, injuries and arrests.
Human rights organisations have accused security agencies of using excessive force, particularly after senior government figures issued hardline warnings against demonstrators. The administration has defended the police, arguing that law enforcement officers were acting to protect lives and property, even as public anger over accountability has continued to grow.
Gachagua framed the youth as central to what he described as a looming political and moral reckoning. “I am happy our young leaders have come of age,” he said. “Kenyans look upon them to spearhead the liberation of our country from the yoke of corruption, poor governance, impunity and deceptive leadership.”
Positioning DCP as an alternative political vehicle, he said the party intended to anchor its identity on youth mobilisation and leadership renewal. “Our party is the natural home for young leaders in Kenya,” Gachagua said. “We are committed to championing the future of our youthful population.”
He questioned the government’s record on harnessing Kenya’s demographic dividend, arguing that despite repeated rhetoric, little had been done to invest meaningfully in young people. “As a nation, we are deeply punctured when it comes to doing the heavy lifting needed to reap the fortunes of the 21st century,” he said. “What concrete steps has this regime taken to invest in our youthful population?”
The remarks come as political realignments intensify following Gachagua’s fallout with President Ruto, which culminated in his removal from office in 2024. Since then, Gachagua has positioned himself as a vocal critic of the administration he once served in, seeking to rally disaffected voters, particularly the youth, under a new political banner.
During the Nairobi meeting, student leaders pledged to intensify voter registration drives across campuses, describing political participation as a critical tool for change. Gachagua welcomed the commitment, urging young people to move beyond protest and into organised political action.
“The only tool to liberate their motherland is the ballot,” he told the students. “Register as voters, mobilise others, and take up leadership positions with an affirmation for national liberation.”
Senator Methu echoed the call, saying universities had historically played a key role in shaping Kenya’s political direction. “When students organise, the country listens,” he said, urging the youth to remain disciplined and focused on long-term change.
