Gachagua Takes Aim at Ruto Over Marriage Advice to Young Kenyans
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has vowed to “make marriages work” in Kenya, citing economic and social pressures as key reasons why many young people are delaying or avoiding marriage.
Speaking at a media briefing on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, Gachagua said the institution of marriage has been “disrespected for too long” and that, if elected president in 2027, he would implement policies to encourage young Kenyans to start families.
“I understand why many young people fear marriage,” Gachagua said. “They carry too many financial and social burdens to start families comfortably. Leadership must not pile pressure on them without addressing the real struggles they face.”
The former deputy president specifically criticised President William Ruto, claiming his policies had indirectly discouraged young men from marrying.
“Ruto, you are the reason why young men are not marrying,” Gachagua said. “How do you marry somebody’s daughter when you have no salary, no house, no money, and when you get a child, social support schemes are not working?”
He also warned President Ruto against publicly admonishing young Kenyans to get married without first addressing their economic challenges. “Stop abusing our young people,” Gachagua stated.
The comments come a week after President Ruto, speaking at the wedding of Moses Mudavadi, son of Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, encouraged young adults over 25 to embrace marriage and responsibility. Ruto urged attendees to avoid “club hopping” and criticised the rising levels of substance abuse among the youth, emphasising the importance of building stable futures.
Gachagua’s remarks, however, shifted the conversation to structural challenges that affect family formation. He stressed that joblessness, rising living costs, and inadequate social safety nets must be addressed before expecting higher marriage rates.
“Families need a sense of security before making long-term commitments,” he said. “Once in office, I will streamline pathways to marriage through policies that promote employment, reduce economic pressures, and give young couples a fair start.”
His statements have reignited public debate on the state of marriage in Kenya, highlighting the intersection of economic realities, social expectations, and youth empowerment in national policy discussions.
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Gachagua Takes Aim at Ruto Over Marriage Advice to Young Kenyans