Gachagua to Joho: You shouldn't wear caps during presidential functions

A collage of Mining CS Hassan Joho and DP Rigathi Gachagua.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua wants the Cabinet Secretary for Mining and the Blue Economy, Hassan Joho, to adopt an appropriate dress code, particularly by refraining from wearing a cap at presidential functions.

Gachagua surprised Kenyans when he publicly criticized Joho's dressing style before a large crowd.

The Deputy President was attending a prayer and thanksgiving ceremony some weeks back convened by National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi in Magunga Township, Suba South Constituency, where he made the remarks. He was accompanied by his boss, President William Ruto, during the event.

President Ruto and his entourage received a warm welcome as residents cheered them from Atemo Primary School in Kabondo Kasipul Constituency, through Homa Bay Town, Rusinga Island in Suba North Constituency, to Magunga Town, where the ceremony was held.

In Magunga Township, the program was opened by the area MP, Caroli Omondi, and Homa Bay Senator, Moses Kajwang’, who led the introduction of MPs and senators.

Leaders who were allowed to speak brought moments of lightheartedness with their speeches.

When Gachagua took to the podium, he greeted the residents in the local language, Dholuo, which is spoken by both the Luo and Abasuba communities.

Known for his straightforwardness, Gachagua did not hesitate to address anyone flouting government protocols.

His disciplinary "cane" landed on Joho.

The Deputy President remarked that Joho needed orientation on how to exhibit "good manners" when in the presence of his boss.

He accused Joho of wearing a cap during functions presided over by President Ruto.

The DP said that wearing a cap in the presence of the President is a sign of disrespect.

He instructed Joho to stop wearing a cap at future events and warned that he would call Joho aside and ask him to remove the cap at any function attended by the President.

“I am known for telling the truth. I want Joho to change and understand that he is now a Cabinet Secretary. Next time, if you wear a cap, I will ask you to remove it,” Gachagua said.

He also accused Joho of behaving like a deputy leader of ODM instead of a Cabinet Secretary.

He argued that once someone becomes a Cabinet Secretary, they should stop acting as an official of a political party.

“I have seen Joho referring to himself as the ODM Deputy Party Leader and making other statements that are not in line with being a Cabinet Secretary. We will give him more orientation so that he behaves as a Cabinet Secretary,” Gachagua said.

He added that the government would provide newly appointed Cabinet Secretaries with additional training for their professional development.

“We will conduct more training for the new Cabinet members so they can conform to the regulations on what it takes to be a Cabinet Secretary. I am sure they will change, and we will work together,” Gachagua said.

He also criticized Siaya Governor James Orengo for misleading Mbadi by telling him to work exclusively with President Ruto.

“Mbadi is a man I respect for his expertise in the position he holds, and I believe he will perform well. But Orengo, don’t mislead him by saying he should work only with the President. He should work with everyone in the Cabinet.”