- Former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua has asked President William Ruto to be calm amid heavy online criticism
- Gachagua claimed that Ruto kept up the speed of insults when he was reported to have called retired president Uhuru Kenyatta a drunkard and opposition leader Raila Odinga a witch.
- Furthermore, he claimed that online critics are just kids experimenting with technology and therefore their actions should not be taken seriously.
Nairobi – Former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua has called on President William Ruto to stop complaining about the growing wave of online criticism.
Source: Facebook
Why William Ruto he should not complain about insults
Speaking at the AIPCA Dandora Church, Parliamentary Constituency Embakasi In the North, on Sunday, January 12, Gachagua claimed that the president was the one who achieved the current state of political dialogue in the country.
The aggressive leader emphasized that the previous remarks allegedly made by Ruto about the former president Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga laid the foundation for the insults that have now spread on social media.
“All these insults, president, it was you who brought them to Kenya. So, don't complain. You told Kenyans that former president Uhuru Kenyatta is a drunkard and Raila Odinga Azimio is a magician. Now it is you and your people who have taught our children to curse,” Gachagua said.
The former vice president also dismissed complaints about social media critics using pictures of coffins, including some showing the president lying dead.
He downplayed the seriousness of such actions, pointing out that they are the result of young people learning to use technology.
“And this issue of being shown in a coffin, why are you so afraid of death? You will reach death one day. Even if you are shown in a coffin, does that mean you are dead? Death is a normal thing; it will happen. Therefore, there is no need to kill or kidnap our children because of cartoons. These are just kids playing with their phones. Let's respect each other—it's going to be important.” he said.
Gachagua's comments come amid growing concerns about freedom of expression and the government's handling of dissenting voices online.
Kipchumba Murkomen warns against slanderous criticism
Meanwhile, Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen issued a stern warning to critics against abusing freedom of expression.
Murkomen stressed that the government will take legal action against people responsible for publishing controversial or defamatory content aimed at government officials.
He emphasized the commitment of the government to ensure that law and order are observed throughout the country.
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