Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has disagreed with recent remarks by President William Ruto urging parents to take responsibility for instilling discipline and moral values in their children.
Speaking during a TikTok Live session hosted by diaspora-based digital creator Kuira Wa Kabiru on January 23, 2025, Gachagua defended young people, stating that they are fulfilling their role in society by holding the government accountable.
“There is nothing wrong with the way parents have raised their children. They brought them up well, and that is why these young people are keeping the government in check,” Gachagua said during the session.
He praised the youth for using social media as a tool for accountability and emphasized that they should not be labelled as criminals for speaking out against government shortcomings.
“I am going to encourage young people to continue using social media as a tool of change. Let nobody call you criminals,” he said.
Gachagua further encouraged young people to continue leveraging platforms like TikTok and other social media networks to drive change and hold leaders accountable for their actions. His comments appear to be a direct response to President Ruto’s earlier remarks urging discipline among the youth.
Ruto’s order to parents
In December 2024, while addressing a gathering in Homa Bay amidst rising cases of abductions linked to government agents, President Ruto pledged to end such incidents. However, he also called on parents to take a more active role in shaping their children’s character.
“These children are our blessings from God. Every parent should take care of their children, and as a government, we will do our part. We are going to stop the abductions so that the Kenyan youth can live in peace. But at the same time, they ought to be disciplined and responsible so that we can build our country together,” President Ruto said.
The president’s remarks came at a time when youth-led social media activism has been gaining momentum, with many young Kenyans using platforms like TikTok and X formerly Twitter to criticize government policies and highlight cases of poor governance.
Ruto urged the youth to avoid irresponsible behaviour, which he suggested could lead to unnecessary trouble.
On Sunday, January 19, 2025, Ruto urged leaders to stop inciting youths to violence and destruction.
Speaking at Cheptais High School Grounds in Mt Elgon, Bungoma County, Ruto warned the leaders against incitement noting that they should help the youths access jobs and opportunities instead of violence and confrontations since they deserve the best from leaders.
“Our young people deserve the best from us. Kama wazazi, kama serikali, kama viongozi, tusiwapiganishe watoto wetu. These young people of Kenya do not need violence. They do not need confrontations. They want opportunities, jobs and an opportunity to engage in business. That is what we should be doing as leaders instead of inciting them to violence and destruction and many things that will not solve their problem and that will not solve the problem of our country,” Ruto said.
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