Gachagua criticizes Ruto for flip-flopping on causes of Gen Z protest
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has taken a swipe at President William Ruto over what he terms the president’s ever-changing narrative on the cause of the Gen Z protests that have rocked Kenya since June 2024.
Speaking to a gathering of clergy in Boston, USA, on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, Gachagua strongly criticised Ruto for failing to take responsibility and genuinely engage with the issues raised by young Kenyans.
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Gachagua pointed out that rather than listening to the genuine concerns of Kenyans, ranging from abductions and extrajudicial killings to the misappropriation of public funds, the president has chosen to deflect blame and point fingers at various groups and individuals.
According to Gachagua, Ruto has offered at least seven different explanations for the protests, none of which directly acknowledge the substance of the grievances raised.
Blame games
He highlighted the president’s shifting claims, noting that Ruto initially blamed him for inciting the protests. A few weeks later, the blame shifted to NGOs and civil society organisations.
After that, the finger was pointed at the Ford Foundation, followed by the church, then the opposition, and most recently, parents. Gachagua argued that such inconsistency shows a lack of clarity and seriousness from the head of state.
‘’The president said these people have been incited by Riggy G. The president does not know the problem in Kenya; he has given 7 reasons so far. He is a very confused person. When the Gen Z protests started in 2024, he said it was my deputy who had incited people.
“After three weeks, he said, No, it’s NGOs and civil societies. After four weeks, he said, It’s the Ford Foundation. The other day, he said, it’s the church. He went back again and said, it’s the opposition. This Sunday, he said, it’s parents,” Gachagua said.
Advice to Ruto
He urged the president to take a firm position and utilise the state’s intelligence systems, including the National Intelligence Service, to understand the root causes of the discontent among Kenyan youth.
Gachagua maintained that the protests are not a result of incitement but of deep frustrations that the government has failed to address.
“William Ruto, please, can you make up your mind? What ails your country? You are the president. You have the necessary facilities at your disposal to give you information. You have the NIS, but you have over 6 different causes of the challenges you face from Gen Zs. It’s the same country; they are the same Gen Zs,” he added.
He further accused Ruto of avoiding the truth and refusing to acknowledge that he has lost touch with reality on the ground.
Instead of recognising the genuine cry for accountability, better governance, and economic justice, the president continues to frame the protestors as manipulated actors, which only serves to escalate tensions.
