Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has openly criticized President William Ruto’s silence suggests consent
over the alarming rise in abduction cases, suggesting that the president’s quiet stance implies consent.
Speaking in Nyeri on Friday, Gachagua urged President Ruto to take full responsibility and act decisively to address the growing crisis.
He warned that continued silence could fuel more unchecked incidents.
“To remain silent or inactive is to suggest that these actions are being carried out with his knowledge and consent,” he remarked.
Gachagua pointed out a troubling pattern — the victims of these abductions share one common link:
their criticism of President Ruto’s administration. He argued that the government cannot simply distance itself from such a pressing issue.
He further accused the police force of complacency, questioning their repeated denials despite mounting evidence.
“How can the police still be in denial when there are witnesses, CCTV footage, and grieving families stepping forward?” he asked.
According to Gachagua, Kenya’s security agencies are either deeply complicit or severely incompetent.
“Our security agencies are either complicit or profoundly incapable of tackling one of the gravest crises of this administration,” he asserted.
Gachagua also revisited his previous criticism of the National Intelligence Service (NIS), where he had accused the agency of dysfunctionality and failing to address emerging security threats.
He defended his earlier remarks, stating, “When I raised concerns about the dysfunctionality of the NIS, I was labeled insubordinate.
Sadly, recent events have proven me right.”
His comments referred to his earlier clash with NIS Director General Noordin Haji, whom he blamed for failing to prevent the deadly anti-government protests in June.
Gachagua demanded Haji’s resignation, calling for a more competent leader to take charge.
The fallout from his criticism sparked legal action against him and reportedly fueled efforts to have him ousted from office.
Meanwhile, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reported that since June, 29 people have gone missing under suspicious circumstances.
In the past three months alone, 13 new abduction cases have been recorded, bringing the total number of reported cases to 82 since mid-2024.
As families continue to grieve and questions remain unanswered, Gachagua’s bold remarks highlight a growing demand for accountability from Kenya’s leadership.
