Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has intensified his criticism of President William Ruto, accusing him of hypocrisy in his recent calls for national moral values.
Once a close ally of the President, Gachagua has now joined a growing chorus of dissenters who question Ruto’s push for a whole-of-society approach in addressing youth indiscipline and moral decline.
“Tumekusikia vile umesema, ati watoto wetu wako na tabia mbaya tuwaongeleshe na tuwalee vizuri… Tutafanya hivyo, Rais… Hawa watoto ni wetu, sisi ndio tuliwazaa,” Gachagua remarked, in a direct challenge to Ruto’s recent moral campaign.
“Ni kweli kama wako na tabia mbaya, tutaendelea kuwalea,” he added.
However, Gachagua did not hold back, accusing Ruto of being the root cause of moral decay in Kenya, citing the President’s own past controversial remarks.
“Lakini Rais, hii mambo ya matusi wewe ndiye ulianza,” he fired. “Si ulisema tuko na mapepo? Si ni yeye alisema?”
He went on to question Ruto’s credibility in leading a moral crusade, pointing out the President’s reaction to instances where his allies have used abusive language in public.
“Sasa hii maneno ya matusi juu ya gari yako, usikashifu hawa Wakenya,” he said.
Gachagua further accused Ruto of silently endorsing abusive rhetoric from his close allies, particularly in political gatherings.
“Ukiona hawa wajumbe wakitukanana, ukimwangalia anacheka,” Gachagua claimed.
“Anakuanga yeye ndiye amewatuma… Si mimi namjua? I know him. If you check when they are abusing people, kama wakitukana Natembeya, ukimwangalia alikuwa anapiga mguu chini.”
He also singled out Dadaab MP Farah Maalim, a key Ruto ally, for using offensive, gendered language at a rally, yet facing no reprimand from the President.
Gachagua argued that such behavior completely undermines Ruto’s moral authority.
“The leaders around you are using abusive language and teaching it to our children,” he stated.
“While you criticize us for not raising our children properly, you need to first remove the log in your own eye before pointing out the speck in ours.”
Ruto’s Moral Call Amid Rising Public Outrage
Speaking at the commissioning of the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) in Kerio Valley, President Ruto urged parents to take an active role in instilling discipline in their children to shape them into responsible citizens.
His remarks, however, come at a time of rising public outcry over the government’s failure to address the recent wave of abductions, with Kenyans holding the State accountable.
“Parents must be at the centre, making sure that not only are our children in class but also that they are mentored to build good character. We must ensure they do not fall into bad company with people who want to lead them astray,” Ruto said.
With the growing friction between Gachagua and Ruto, it remains to be seen whether the President’s moral campaign will gain traction—or if the former Deputy President’s scathing rebuke will further expose cracks within the ruling coalition.
