Rigathi Gachagua has hit back at President William Ruto following criticism over remarks urging young people to protect him during public events, deepening the political fallout between the two former allies.

The former deputy president responded on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, through a post on X, accusing the president of sponsoring violence against his supporters. Gachagua said Ruto had deployed “goons” to disrupt meetings and intimidate civilians, including women and children.

“Mr William Ruto, if you have a problem with and you feel so pained by the young people defending their leaders, stop sending your goons to attack them and their meetings and invade places of worship,” Gachagua posted.

“Empower those goons to engage in meaningful and legal economic activities instead of sending them to harm innocent Kenyans, especially women and children. That way, there will be no need for any protection.”

Gachagua’s statement came after Ruto condemned his call for youth protection during rallies. Speaking in Samburu County on the same day, the president mocked Gachagua for allegedly asking young people to arm themselves with crude weapons for his personal security.

“Nimesikia mwingine juzi anawaambia vijana ati nyinyi nikienda mahali mchukue rungu na panga mkuje mniprotect,” Ruto said.

He questioned why a former senior state official would expect citizens to act as private guards, arguing that leaders should create opportunities for young people rather than expose them to danger.

Ruto added that Kenya’s youth should focus on work and development, not political confrontations. His remarks drew cheers from supporters but also fuelled an already tense political exchange.

Security withdrawal claim

Gachagua earlier defended his position by pointing to what he described as a deliberate withdrawal of his security detail following his impeachment in October 2024. In a K24 TV interview on Monday, January 12, he said he no longer felt safe and blamed the government for leaving him exposed despite his continued political influence.

“I want to tell the people of Kenya that Rigathi Gachagua is not safe. The government withdrew security,” he said. Gachagua argued that his standing as a former deputy president and his influence in national politics justified continued state protection.

He framed the issue as part of a wider political campaign against him, accusing Ruto of targeting the Mount Kenya region after losing its support. Gachagua claimed the president aimed to weaken the region’s voting power by dividing it politically.

In his X post, Gachagua directly addressed the president, urging him to stop what he called organised attacks on his meetings and places of worship. He said the government should focus on creating lawful economic opportunities instead of encouraging violence.