# Gachagua Hits Back at Ruto, Questions His Commitment to Young Kenyans
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has launched a scathing attack on President William Ruto, questioning his commitment to young Kenyans and accusing his administration of neglecting citizens and mismanaging public resources.
In a strongly worded statement addressed to Ruto as “Mr. Taxes”, Gachagua challenged the President to account for the deaths of young people during the 2024 Gen Z protests and the 2025 Saba Saba demonstrations.
Gachagua questioned Ruto's remarks on supporting young leaders, asking whether the young Kenyans who lost their lives during the protests were part of the generation expected to take over leadership by 2032.
He cited the deaths of Rex Masai, Kennedy Onyango, Albert Ojwang, Erick Mutisia, Ibrahim Kamau and Boniface Kariuki, among others, while questioning the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
“Where are the over 200 young people killed during the 2024 Gen Z protests and the 2025 Saba Saba protests, Mr William Ruto? Are they still the leaders of 2032?” Gachagua posed.
He also accused the President of presiding over abductions, alleged extrajudicial killings and the prosecution of young people on what he described as trumped-up terrorism charges.
Gachagua further invoked the 2007/2008 post-election violence, referring to the killings of innocent civilians, including those who died in the Kiambaa Church attack, and questioned whether Ruto had forgotten the plight of young victims.
His remarks followed Ruto's criticism of the Democracy for Citizens Party leader during his development tour of the Gusii region in Kisii County on Tuesday.
The President had likened Gachagua to biblical King Herod, accusing him of intimidating emerging politicians instead of allowing them to grow and pursue leadership positions.
Ruto said he would support young leaders as they build their political careers, urging experienced politicians to prepare for retirement by 2032 to pave the way for a new generation of leaders.
He also challenged the opposition to present alternative development plans rather than rely on political slogans and personal attacks.
The President maintained that his administration had delivered on its 2022 development commitments and insisted that the 2027 General Election would be determined by competing policies and development records.
Gachagua, however, questioned Ruto's legacy, comparing his leadership to that of former African dictators and accusing him of using intimidation against young Kenyans.
He concluded by questioning the President's repeated remarks about deporting people, asking who would be targeted next.
