“My Children Made Me Speak Out Against Ruto,” Gachagua Reveals Emotional Truth Behind His Explosive Address

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has opened up about what really pushed him to publicly respond to President William Ruto after the controversial events of June 2024.

Speaking recently, Gachagua said that his two sons were the reason behind his bold statement from Mombasa, which came just a day after Kenyans stormed Parliament during the nationwide protests of June 25, 2024. 

The protests had drawn global attention after demonstrators breached the National Assembly, forcing MPs to flee for safety.

President Ruto, reacting to the chaos, had called the protesters “terrorists”, saying the government would act firmly against those behind the destruction. But Gachagua, then serving as his deputy, felt the need to speak differently.

He said that morning, around 6 a.m., his sons came to his home looking disturbed and disappointed. 

“They told me, ‘Dad, the President just called us criminals. You must say something,’” Gachagua recalled. 

“They reminded me that I was not just a leader but also a father. They said the young people were only fighting for their future.”

Moved by his children’s words, Gachagua said he decided to hold a press briefing in Mombasa the next day, where he openly disagreed with Ruto and blamed the National Intelligence Service (NIS) for failing to foresee the protests. 

He accused NIS Director General Noordin Haji of letting the situation spiral out of control.

Gachagua now says he does not regret speaking out, even though it strained his relationship with Ruto. “Every parent listens to their children,” he said. 

“That day, I spoke as a father, not a deputy president. My sons’ courage reminded me that leadership is about truth.”