‘Ruto is the reason young men aren’t marrying! – Gachagua warns
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has promised to make marriages work after becoming president in 2027.
Speaking during a media presser on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, Gachagua said the institution of marriage has been disrespected for too long.
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He also said he understands why many Kenyans fear getting married, but promised to end that hesitation if he takes office.
During his speech, Gachagua argued that young people are carrying too many financial and social burdens to start families comfortably.
Gachagua also warned that leadership should avoid piling pressure on young adults without addressing their real struggles.
“Ruto you are the reason why young men are not marrying.
“How do you marry somebody’s daughter when you have no salary, no house, no money and when you get a kid SHA is not working,” he said.
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He has also cautioned President William Ruto not to insult young Kenyans, telling them to marrry.
“Ruto stop abusing our young people,” he stated.
Ruto challenges Kenyans to marry
His remarks come barely a week after President William Ruto urged those above 25 to get married and avoid club hopping.
Ruto made the comments during the wedding of Moses Mudavadi, son of Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
During the ceremony, the head of state encouraged young men to embrace responsibility.
“Those of you who are above the age of 25 get married. Wacha kuzunguka unatoka kwa club hii unaingia kwa club hii unaenda hio ingine,” he said.
Ruto also commented the rising cases of substance abuse among the youth, urging them to focus on building stable futures.
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Gachagua, however, said the country must first address joblessness, rising costs of living and stalled social safety nets before expecting marriage numbers to rise.
His view leaned more toward social well-being than politics, noting that families need a sense of security before making long-term commitments.
He insisted that once in office he would “streamline marriage pathways” through policies that promote employment, lower economic pressure and give young couples a fair start.
The comments have since added a soft but lively twist to the ongoing national conversation about marriage, adulthood and the evolving expectations facing Kenyan youth.
