Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has dismissed President William Ruto’s recent public apology to the young people of Kenya as insincere, arguing that it fails to address the deep anguish experienced by families of Gen Z protesters who were abducted or killed during last year’s nationwide demonstrations.

Speaking during a tour of Thika and Gatundu North, Gachagua said, “If the President genuinely seeks forgiveness, he should start by personally reaching out to the parents of those young men and women who disappeared or were murdered.” His remarks underscore ongoing tensions regarding the government’s handling of the protests and their aftermath.

Gachagua also issued a stern warning to individuals allegedly being paid to disrupt his public gatherings. “Anyone who attempts to interfere with my rallies will be finished politically,” he declared, signaling his determination to maintain control over his political engagements.

Accompanied by several leaders aligned with his emerging political movement, Gachagua criticized the government’s current empowerment program led by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.

Senator Karungo Thang’wa described the initiative as a “political bribe” aimed at pacifying the Mt. Kenya region, questioning why the program’s focus was limited to that area.

In the same tour, former Thika MP Patrick Wainaina called on opposition leaders to unite behind a single presidential candidate to mount a strong challenge against President Ruto in the 2027 general election.

Wainaina also announced his intention to contest the Thika Town parliamentary seat on a Democratic Congress Party (DCP) ticket in 2027. He previously ran for Kiambu governor in 2022 but was defeated by Governor Kimani Wamatangi.

ALSO READ: Rift Valley MPs accuse Gachagua of lacking sane political ideas