Leaders allied to President William Ruto and opposition chief Raila Odinga have sharply criticized former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of dodging responsibility for the violence and destruction seen during last Monday’s Saba Saba protests.

The group, led by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, condemned Gachagua’s recent travel to the United States as a deliberate move to avoid facing the consequences of the unrest that left several people dead and caused widespread property damage.

Speaking at a Women Empowerment event in Uasin Gishu County, Wetang’ula accused some politicians of encouraging young people, especially those from Generation Z, to take to the streets but then abandoning them when trouble broke out.

“The leaders who told you to go to the streets, did you see them there? Were their children with you? No, their children are abroad, studying in peace,” Wetang’ula said, cautioning youth against being used by leaders with no genuine concern for their future.

While paying tribute to the original Saba Saba movement for its role in pushing for multiparty democracy and the 2010 Constitution, Wetang’ula questioned the true purpose of the recent protests.

He also hinted at Gachagua’s focus on Mount Kenya politics, stating, “You will not become President of Kenya by going in circles around one mountain; you must reach out to the entire country.”

Adding to the criticism, EAC Affairs Principal Secretary Caroline Karugu, who comes from Gachagua’s Nyeri County, said the region had moved forward and now supported President Ruto and Odinga.

“He walked away from the job he was given. Will you now let someone who deserted his post distract the President? Let him show if he still has any real support,” she challenged.

Other leaders joined in accusing Gachagua of trying to gain power “through the back door” and warned that his actions could destabilize the nation. Elgeyo Marakwet MP Caroline Ng’elechei said, “Rigathi, after just one term as MP, you went straight to Deputy President and now you’re rebelling. Don’t blame the President for the mess you created.”

Former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri also weighed in, urging Kikuyu people living outside Mount Kenya to maintain peace. “Our cash crop in the diaspora is peace. When I hear Gachagua speak of violence, I worry. He must remember, ‘Moto huzaa jivu’ fire leaves behind only ashes,” Kiunjuri warned.

Meanwhile, President Ruto’s aide Farouk Kibet hinted at plans to build a wider political alliance and issued a strong warning against any protests planned in Eldoret. “Eldoret is a peaceful town. We will not allow a few individuals to destroy what we've built. No protests here,” he said firmly.