Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has hit back at President William Ruto following criticism over remarks urging young people to protect him during public events, deepening the political fallout between the two former allies.
The former deputy president responded on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, through a post on X, accusing the president of sponsoring violence against his supporters.
Gachagua said Ruto had deployed “goons” to disrupt meetings and intimidate civilians, including women and children.
“Mr William Ruto, if you have a problem with and you feel so pained by the young people defending their leaders, stop sending your goons to attack them and their meetings and invade places of worship,” Gachagua posted.
The former DP further asked the Head of State to engage the alleged goons in legal economic activities rather than sending them to disrupt his events.
“Empower those goons to engage in meaningful and legal economic activities instead of sending them to harm innocent Kenyans, especially women and children. That way, there will be no need for any protection.”
Gachagua’s statement came after Ruto condemned his call for youth protection during rallies.
Speaking in Samburu County on the same day, the president mocked Gachagua for allegedly asking young people to arm themselves with crude weapons for his personal security.
“I heard another leader the other day telling youths that if he goes to a certain place, they should pick up clubs and machetes and come protect him. So now you’re turning Kenyan youths into your personal watchmen while you live in comfort? These people are completely crazy,” Ruto stated.
He questioned why a former senior state official would expect citizens to act as private guards, arguing that leaders should create opportunities for young people rather than expose them to danger.
Ruto added that Kenya’s youth should focus on work and development, not political confrontations. His remarks drew cheers from supporters but also fuelled an already tense political exchange.
This comes days after Gachagua claimed his safety is at risk, following the withdrawal of his personal security by the state.
Speaking on Monday, January 12, Gachagua asked the government to restore his security, arguing that he commands serious support across the country.
“I want to tell the people of Kenya that Rigathi Gachagua is not safe. The government withdrew security from him despite his senior status in the country. Despite the fact that he was removed from office, he commands a serious following; millions of Kenyans are behind him, hence he is a senior leader who deserves protection because of his seniority in public service and his key role in determining the next presidential election,” Gachagua said.
