Editor's Review

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has hit back at President William Ruto’s recent remarks on growing dissent across the country, accusing him of lashing out at citizens instead of addressing their concerns.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has hit back at President William Ruto’s recent remarks on growing dissent across the country, accusing him of lashing out at citizens instead of addressing their concerns. 

Speaking in a public address on Wednesday, July 9, just hours after President Ruto condemned continued protests and vandalism during Saba Saba commemorations, Gachagua urged the Head of State to respond with humility, not force.

“Excessive anger is not a solution. You have not been listening to the people of Kenya. The people of Kenya are more angry than you are,” Gachagua stated.

President Ruto, while speaking earlier in the day during the launch of affordable housing units in Kilimani, had expressed frustration at what he termed persistent attempts to undermine his leadership.

Defending the public’s growing anger, the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader cited a list of grievances against the Kenya Kwanza administration, including allegations of corruption, abductions, extrajudicial killings, and ethnic profiling.

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“Abolish the housing levy and give dignity to the payslip,” Gachagua said. “I have heard you say you cannot give jobs to the young people. Restore dignity in the middle class, and they will give jobs to these young people.”

He also called for the disbandment of what he alleged to be a “killer squad” operating under the Director-General of the National Intelligence Service (NIS), Noordin Haji.

Gachagua claimed the squad has been illegally targeting citizens across the country.

DCP party leader Rigathi Gachagua

The exchange comes amid rising political tensions following widespread youth-led protests over governance, economic hardship, and police brutality. 

The growing wave of demonstrations has led to the deaths of hundreds of youth, with cases of police brutality reportedly increasing by the day.

In support of law enforcement efforts to restore order during and after protests, President Ruto advised: “Anyone who burns down someone else’s business and property, let them be shot in the leg and go to the hospital as they head to court. Yes, let them not kill, but shoot and break the legs. Destroying people’s property is not right.”