Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has cautioned President William Ruto against dismissing the growing frustrations of young Kenyans, warning that continued economic hardship and government insensitivity could trigger deeper unrest.
Speaking during a press briefing in Nairobi on Tuesday, Gachagua said the government must urgently listen to the concerns being raised by the youth, particularly those protesting against punitive taxation, joblessness, and lack of accountability.
“Young people are angry, and they have every reason to be,” Gachagua said. “This is not the time to ignore them or mock their cries. It is time to listen.”
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His remarks come in the wake of nationwide youth-led protests that have shaken the political class and forced a rethinking of policy approaches.
Protesters have been calling for the scrapping of the controversial housing levy, transparency in governance, and justice for victims of police brutality.
In what appeared to be a veiled critique of the president, Gachagua urged Ruto to show humility and respond to the mounting calls for reform.
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“The housing levy has become a symbol of government disconnect from the realities of ordinary Kenyans,” he said. “If you want peace, restore dignity to the payslip and respect the voices on the streets.”
Gachagua also defended the youth’s right to protest, warning against attempts to suppress demonstrations through force. “The youth are not enemies of the state — they are citizens demanding a better future. Repressing them only deepens their anger.”
His latest remarks mark a shift in tone for the former Deputy President, who was once considered one of Ruto’s closest allies.
Political observers believe Gachagua is repositioning himself amid changing national sentiment and growing dissatisfaction with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Meanwhile, opposition leader Raila Odinga has proposed a national dialogue platform — the Inter-Generational Conclave — to bring together young people, civil society, and political leaders to chart a new direction for the country.