Put Kenyans first, not critics- Gachagua blasts Ruto

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. [Standard, File]

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has urged President William Ruto to prioritise addressing public concerns instead of accusing critics of seeking to undermine the government.

Speaking during an interview on Friday, December 15, Gachagua said Kenyans are questioning the government's leadership because they want it to succeed, not fail.

 He criticised Ruto for claiming the cost of living has reduced, calling it untrue.

“Kenyans know what they are experiencing. Most are struggling to afford basic needs and the lies they are being told are what I could not tolerate in government,” said Gachagua.

Gachagua, who was impeached by the Senate on October 17 after facing 11 charges including corruption, inciting ethnic violence and insubordination, rejected calls to forgive Ruto for his removal.

“I don’t want to talk about forgiveness. I want the President to work for the people of Kenya,” he said, adding that the government should not intimidate critics.

The former deputy president claimed the government has failed to curb the return of illicit alcohol which he fought during his tenure and warned of its devastating impact on youth.

“It’s a shame. These are our children who voted for you. Why do you want them to die from illicit alcohol?” he observed.

Gachagua also called for unity among leaders in the Mt Kenya region, urging them to avoid divisions based on geography or political stance.

“We should not divide the region into Mt Kenya East or West nor fault leaders for their positions,” he noted.

Gachagua's impeachment marked the first removal of a deputy president under Kenya’s 2010 constitution.

He maintains the charges against him were politically motivated.

 Gachagua’s statement comes days after President William Ruto defended his administration’s achievements during Jamhuri Day celebrations on December 12.

While addressing attendants, Ruto accused critics of spreading disinformation and called for constructive engagement based on facts.

Ruto outlined key accomplishments in housing, healthcare and digital transformation, asserting that Kenyans are already experiencing the benefits of his policies.

“When we say the cost of basic commodities has come down, it is a fact. When we say inflation has reduced, it is a fact. When we say farmers are producing more and better, it is a fact,” Ruto said.

He dismissed the “culture of reckless negativity,” urging Kenyans to focus on building the country.

 “We encourage everyone, including our critics, to engage on the basis of facts and the truth,” he added.