Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has strongly responded to President William Ruto following remarks that urged him to keep school-going children away from political debates.
The exchange has added a new layer to the growing tension between the two leaders, whose relationship has continued to deteriorate in recent months.
Gachagua maintained that his recent public engagements were focused on defending the welfare of young learners and the future of the country, not dragging children into partisan battles.
He argued that issues affecting education, family livelihoods, and national stability cannot be separated from leadership decisions, and therefore deserve open discussion.
According to him, leaders should be ready to listen when citizens raise concerns about policies that directly affect households, including those with children in school.
He accused the government of attempting to silence criticism by misrepresenting his message. Gachagua insisted that speaking about the struggles facing parents, teachers, and students does not amount to using children for political gain.
Instead, he said it reflects a sense of responsibility toward the next generation, which he believes is bearing the weight of poor economic planning and rising costs of living.
The former deputy president further challenged the head of state to focus on addressing the real problems affecting families rather than shifting blame. He pointed to increased school fees, lack of learning resources, and economic pressure on parents as issues that demand urgent attention from those in power. In his view, leadership should be measured by action and accountability, not by attempts to control public conversation.
This latest exchange highlights the widening rift within Kenya’s top political leadership as the country edges closer to the next election cycle. Observers note that such confrontations are likely to continue as leaders seek to shape public opinion and protect their political standing.
For many citizens, however, the priority remains clear: practical solutions that improve education, ease economic hardship, and secure a better future for children across the nation.
