President William Ruto has openly criticized former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for encouraging young people to mobilize for personal protection, sternly warning against the exploitation of youths for private security interests.

• President Ruto questioned the sanity of such actions, comparing it to reducing Kenyan youth to watchmen.
• The criticism occurred after Ruto launched the Sh103.9 million NYOTA fund for youth businesses in Samburu, Isiolo, Laikipia, and Marsabit, benefiting 4,159 entrepreneurs.
• The NYOTA Project is designed to be transparent and inclusive, complementing other government initiatives like the Affordable Housing Program and the Digital Economy Initiative, targeting over 800,000 youth nationwide.