Deputy President Kithure Kindiki with President William Ruto in Samburu on January 13, 2025/PCSPresident William Ruto has openly criticised his former deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, over remarks urging young people to escort and protect him during public events. Ruto questioned why the Gachagua would ask youth to carry weapons to defend him, suggesting such statements were irresponsible and reduced young Kenyans to bodyguards. “Nimesikia mwingine juzi anawaambia vijana ati nyinyi nikienda mahali mchukue rungu na panga mkuje mniprotect,” Ruto said. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki with President William Ruto in Samburu on January 13, 2025/PCSAlthough Ruto did not mention Gachagua by name, the comments were widely interpreted as a direct response to remarks made by the Deputy President last week during a stop in Nyandarua. A total of Sh103.9 million was disbursed to youth in Samburu, Marsabit, Laikipia and Isiolo counties during the event.

Source: The Star January 13, 2026 13:27 UTC