Address abductions, leave parenting to parents, Gachagua tells Ruto

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has urged President William Ruto to refrain from linking Kenyan parents to the ongoing abductions in the country.

Speaking in Kakamega on Sunday, December 29, Gachagua emphasised that no circumstances could justify such actions, asserting that it is the government’s primary responsibility to safeguard its citizens.

Ruto had recently suggested that the abductions could be linked to moral decay among the youth, pointing to social media posts that ridicule leaders as evidence of this decline. He called on parents to take greater responsibility for guiding their children towards becoming responsible citizens.

However, Gachagua disagreed with this view, stating that the government must focus on protecting its people rather than attributing blame to parents.

“Nothing justifies the abductions. The government’s job is to protect its citizens, and the question of youth morality should not be used as an excuse for harsh government actions against civilians,” he said.

Gachagua told Ruto to focus on his mandate to transform the economy and ensure the end of abduction networks, leaving parenting matters to the parents themselves.

“The president just needs to address abductions. That is the work of government. He needs to leave it to parents to decide how they raise their children... Does he want to tell parents how to bring up their children? It is a lack of respect for the people of Kenya. You were elected to work for Kenyans and mend the economy, not to tell us how to look after our children,” Gachagua said.

Gachagua also praised the youth for their activism and efforts to challenge poor governance.

While encouraging them to continue their activism, he also urged them to register as voters, believing that this would enable them to effect political change in the 2027 elections.

“These children have no problem; they are just pointing out the ills in society. What they are doing on social media is very good, but it is not enough. I want to tell the young people that they have shown patriotism and commitment to liberating our country through the power of the online space. I plead with them to go a step further—take IDs and register as voters. This young generation will sort out the political problems of this country once and for all in 2027,” Gachagua said.

On his part, President Ruto has maintained his call for concerted efforts to nurture the youth as they navigate through turbulent times.

Speaking at AIC, Koiwa Town in Konoin, Bomet County, on Sunday, Ruto insisted that parents, religious leaders, and politicians all have a role in securing the youth's meaningful future.

“We do not have the luxury of a blame game or pointing fingers. We should all secure the future of our children, it is our responsibility,” he said.

He noted the youth need to be provided with mentorship and guidance as they chart their future. “We should mind about the next generation. We should educate them and provide mentorship and guidance. We should not let them get into traps, drugs and things like femicide,” he added.