Gachagua: The current Kenyan govt is worse than the colonial rule
By Kenneth Mwenda, August 11, 2025Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has launched a strong condemnation of the current Kenyan government, accusing it of brutalising young people in ways worse than even the colonial rulers.
Speaking during a diaspora engagement forum in Southern California on Sunday, 10 August 2025, Gachagua said the government elected in August 2022 has turned violently against Kenya’s youth. He revealed that hundreds of young people between the ages of 14 and 24 have been abducted, tortured, killed, or forcibly disappeared simply for speaking out and demanding good governance, transparency, and accountability.
“Back home, the government that we elected in August 2022 has turned against our young people with brutal efficiency,” Gachagua said. “Their crime is speaking out for their parents, their siblings, and the Kenyan people.”
Gachagua stressed that the government, which was elected on a platform of democracy, respect for the rule of law, and constitutionalism, has instead betrayed those principles by attacking its own citizens, especially the youth.
Children never targeted before
He compared the current administration to the colonial government, arguing that even during those harsh times, children were never targeted.
“Brutal as colonial rule was, they never attacked children,” Gachagua stated. “Even during the difficult years of President Moi’s 24-year rule, the government persecuted men but never harmed children or women.”
According to Gachagua, this is unprecedented in Kenya’s history.
“No government has ever turned against children,” he said.
Between 2024 and 2025 alone, Gachagua claims hundreds of young Kenyans have suffered terrible fates, with many abducted and tortured, others killed, some missing, and several wounded and hospitalised with bullet wounds.
His remarks paint a grim picture of a country where the youth, who should be protected as the future, are instead suffering severe human rights abuses.
The accusations come amid rising political tensions and growing criticism of President William Ruto’s government, which faces increasing pressure from opposition leaders and human rights groups.