Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has launched a scathing attack on President William Ruto’s administration, accusing it of hypocrisy in its approach to criminal gangs. Speaking during a TikTok livestream with Kenyans in the diaspora, Gachagua expressed disbelief at the government’s decision to send Kenyan police officers to Haiti to combat gangs under a U.N.-backed mission, while allegedly supporting the resurgence of criminal gangs at home to intimidate critics.
Gachagua described it as a “contradiction” for the government to be actively engaged in international peacekeeping efforts while allegedly backing local gangs to suppress opposition voices. He noted that Kenya, as part of a global mission to restore order in Haiti, should be a model of security at home, rather than funding criminals to undermine internal stability.
His comments also addressed the rising cases of abductions of young Kenyans, a situation he claims is linked to security forces. Gachagua criticized the administration for using coercive tactics, calling it a betrayal of the country’s citizens. He even went as far as to compare the actions of the current government with those of the British colonialists, stating, “Even the British colonialists never went for our children.”
The former Deputy President expressed disappointment at being part of an administration that has turned its back on the Kenyan people, further criticizing the government’s failure to safeguard citizens. Gachagua emphasized that a government that cannot ensure the safety of its people has no business being in power.
In a call for action, Gachagua urged the international community to exert pressure on Ruto’s government to constitute the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). He warned that the lack of an electoral body raises significant concerns, particularly as certain government officials, like Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, openly discuss the possibility of manipulating the 2027 elections. With nearly two years having passed since the retirement of the previous IEBC commissioners, the lack of new appointments has stymied key electoral processes, including the crucial delimitation of electoral boundaries.
In his remarks, Gachagua also praised the Kenyan youth for their resilience and creativity, asserting that they have stepped into the void left by a weakened opposition that has been co-opted into the government. He concluded by urging the international community to hold the Kenyan government accountable for its alleged actions.
This sharp critique of the current administration highlights ongoing concerns over the state of governance, security, and the electoral process in Kenya.
