Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has intensified his criticism of President William Ruto, accusing him of hypocrisy over his recent calls for a national moral renewal. Gachagua, once a close ally of Ruto, now joins a growing list of voices dissatisfied with the President’s appeal for a whole-of-society approach to address youth indiscipline and moral decline in Kenya.
In a pointed response, Gachagua remarked that Ruto’s emphasis on parental responsibility for children’s behavior was somewhat misplaced, claiming that the President himself is part of the problem. “We have heard what you said about our children having bad behavior, and we will take action. But Mr. President, you are the one who started these issues,” Gachagua said, referencing controversial comments Ruto made in the past. He further recalled the President’s earlier statements involving insults and inappropriate language, accusing him of setting a poor example for the youth.
Gachagua went on to suggest that Ruto’s own leadership and those around him were contributing to the moral decay in society. He accused the President of being complicit in the bad behavior of his political allies, particularly criticizing the lack of reprimands for offensive language used by members of Ruto’s camp. “When they insult others, the President simply laughs it off, instead of addressing the issue,” Gachagua claimed. He also called out Dadaab MP Farah Maalim, a Ruto ally, for using derogatory language at rallies, questioning why such behavior was allowed to continue without consequence.
At the same time, Ruto has been advocating for parents to take responsibility for raising disciplined children. During a recent visit to Kerio Valley, he urged parents to mentor their children and prevent them from engaging in negative behaviors, in light of the country’s ongoing challenges, including a surge in abductions. His statements also coincide with increasing public scrutiny and online activism, with many Kenyans holding the government accountable for rising societal vices.
As tensions between Gachagua and Ruto grow, the debate around moral values and leadership accountability continues to dominate public discourse.
