In a direct and scathing attack on his former boss, Rigathi Gachagua has claimed that President William Ruto’s recent diplomatic trip to Tanzania was actually a "benchmarking mission" focused on learning how to suppress youthful protesters in Kenya.


​Addressing a massive crowd in Kandara, Murang'a County, on Wednesday, the former Deputy President alleged that the President’s visit with President Samia Suluhu had a hidden agenda. According to Gachagua, the administration is seeking external advice on how to handle the rising tide of Gen Z-led dissent and public dissatisfaction that has rocked the country in recent months.


​Escalating Allegations of Suppression


​Gachagua’s remarks center on the administration's response to youth-led movements, which have consistently challenged the government on economic policies and governance. He suggested that instead of addressing the grievances of the youth, the President is looking for "tactics" to stifle their voices.


​"He went to Tanzania not for trade, but to learn how to deal with our children," Gachagua told the charged audience. The allegations touch on a sensitive nerve in Kenyan politics, as the "Gen Z" movement remains a potent force of civil activism.


​The "Kasongo" Narrative and Mt. Kenya Politics


​During the rally, Gachagua continued to use the moniker "Kasongo" to refer to the President, further signaling the irreparable bridge between the two leaders. He challenged the audience to hold the government accountable for the casualties and property damage witnessed during previous protests, specifically pointing to the impact on the local business community in the Mt. Kenya region.


​The speech marks a significant shift in Gachagua’s strategy, moving from defensive political maneuvering to an all-out offensive against the Kenya Kwanza administration's human rights record and its handling of domestic security.


​A Widening Rift


​This latest outburst comes just days after President Ruto’s own tour of Murang'a, where he vowed not to be intimidated by regional political kingpins. As Gachagua consolidates his influence through the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), the battle for the soul of the Mt. Kenya vote is clearly entering a new, more aggressive phase.