Gachagua slams government for ‘inaction and insincerity’ over rising abductions

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has criticised the government's handling of the rising cases of abductions in Kenya, accusing President William Ruto's administration of inaction and insincerity in addressing the crisis.

During an interview on Tuesday, Gachagua said despite repeatedly raising concerns about the abduction issue while still in office, no substantial action had been taken to curb the alarming trend.

He argued that the government's reluctance to tackle the growing menace was deeply troubling, especially as it continued to affect innocent citizens.

"There's nothing wrong our children have committed, they are simply saying that the country is not headed in the right direction and that the country's economy is in a slump. It is their right to question such issues," Gachagua said, defending the youth who have been criticising the Kenya Kwanza regime.

The former Mathira MP specifically condemned the abduction of chiefs in Mandera, which he said had become disturbingly common.

DRC conflict

Gachagua also questioned President Ruto's international stance on peace, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), contrasting it with the situation at home.

"How can you advocate for peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo while our youth are being abducted here at home?" he asked.

In his criticism, Gachagua argued that the government had failed to meet the needs of the Kenyan people.

Despite the inclusion of opposition in the Cabinet, he claimed that little progress had been made.

He also expressed dissatisfaction with various government projects, including the affordable housing initiative, and the heavy tax burden being imposed on Kenyans.

On Mt Kenya politics, Gachagua expressed frustration with the current state of affairs, claiming that the region is politically underserved.

"Mt Kenya is gone. The President is now seeking support from Mt Elgon. My only mistake was uniting my people," he said.

United front

The former DP urged Kenyans, especially those from the western region, to come together and form a united front.

Other Topics To Read

• Headlines
• Rigathi Gachagua
• resident William Ruto
• gen z protests
• Former Deputy President
• Ruto DRC
• Gachagua slams government for ‘inaction and insincerity’ over rising abductions
• Politics

Looking ahead, Gachagua discussed plans to engage more with the younger generation, particularly Gen Z.

He stated that the youth lacked strong leadership and indicated his willingness to step up if they accepted him as their leader.

"Gen Z lacks leadership, and if they accept me as their leader, I would be honoured to take on that mandate," Gachagua added.

Addressing another controversial issue, Gachagua denied being behind the wave of anti-government protests that swept through the country last year, led largely by Gen Z.

The protests, which pushed President Ruto to abandon the Finance Bill 2024 and enact major policy changes, were seen as a call for greater government accountability. Gachagua, however, made it clear that he was not the leader of these protests, but supported their cause for a better, more just Kenya.

"I did not lead Gen Z, nor am I their leader, but they are our good children and will play a significant role in the 2027 elections," Gachagua remarked while refuting claims that he was orchestrating the unrest.

He also suggested that state operatives may have used the protests to undermine his influence, particularly his efforts to unify the Mt Kenya region.