Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has opened up about the unfulfilled promises of President William Ruto’s administration, highlighting the aftermath of the 2024 Gen Z protests and his reservations about Kipchumba Murkomen’s appointment as Interior Cabinet Secretary.
UNDELIVERED PROMISES TO GEN Z
Gachagua pointed out that the deadly Gen Z-led protests of 2024 deeply shook the government, leading President Ruto to pledge reforms addressing the concerns of Kenyan youth. However, a year later, these promises remain unfulfilled, with the administration grappling with accusations of rising corruption, extrajudicial killings, and a failure to address the high cost of living.
According to Gachagua, the inclusion of Raila Odinga and the ODM party in Ruto’s broad-based government has hindered progress. He claimed this political partnership derailed the president’s ability to deliver on his commitments.
THE PROTESTS THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING
Reflecting on the protests, Gachagua acknowledged his fallout with Ruto stemmed from their differing approaches. While the president condemned the demonstrators as treasonous, Gachagua embraced the Gen Z protesters, describing them as young Kenyans seeking a better future.
The divide deepened after Gachagua held a separate press conference in Mombasa, diverging from Ruto’s official narrative. This, he revealed, led to tensions that ultimately cost him his position.
CRITICISM OF MURKOMEN’S APPOINTMENT
Gachagua disclosed he initially opposed Kipchumba Murkomen’s appointment as Interior CS, arguing that the sensitive security docket required a mature, calm, and experienced leader.
“I told Ruto this job demands someone level-headed and capable of managing the security sector with knowledge and composure. Murkomen’s arrogance and inflated ego were red flags,” Gachagua stated.
Despite his concerns, Murkomen was appointed, succeeding Kithure Kindiki. Kindiki had been credited with curbing banditry and strengthening security but was also criticized for overseeing violent police crackdowns on unarmed protesters.
Under Murkomen’s leadership, Gachagua argued, the security sector has faced even greater challenges, including a rise in abductions and a continuation of excessive force against dissenters.
UNMET DEMANDS OF JUSTICE
In the wake of the Gen Z protests, Ruto’s administration promised justice for victims of police brutality. However, families of those killed are still waiting for accountability, with official reports downplaying the death toll.
“Justice for victims is now a pipe dream,” Gachagua lamented, pointing to the government’s failure to acknowledge the full scope of lives lost.
KENYANS STILL IN PROTEST
The unresolved issues of economic hardship, corruption, and human rights abuses continue to fuel public outrage. For Gachagua, these unaddressed grievances reflect a government struggling to balance political expediency with meaningful reform.
As Kenyans persist in their demands for justice and accountability, Gachagua’s revelations further highlight the cracks within Ruto’s administration, questioning its ability to deliver on its promises to the people.
