Gachagua Stands Firm On Shareholding Remarks Despite Ruto Difference

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Sunday, October 8 remained firm on his stance regarding the government being like a limited shareholding company enjoyed by those who have been loyal to President William Ruto.

Speaking during a church service in Kapsabet, in Nandi County, Gachagua stated that he would not apologise for his remarks maintaining that those who expressed belief in Ruto's success had every right to benefit immensely from his government.

He was responding to reported complaints from the local leadership that they had not yet benefited especially in matters of the road network, saying he had heard their cries as he is the ‘custodian of your shares’.

Gachagua also expressed that he had no problem if the remarks rubbed a section of people the wrong way.

“I have no apologies; I am unapologetic to demand and to insist that those who believed in William Ruto and supported him as a man have every right to benefit immensely from his government. I have no apology, at all, and if that can bring a problem so be it,” he affirmed.

He revealed how the residents of the region had suffered for five years for supporting Ruto when he was Deputy President, a matter he noted had wound up costing them development projects.

“You suffered for five years because of supporting William Ruto when he was Deputy President. You were isolated and would watch areas that did not vote benefit from development projects, you would watch them with your eyes as they would be taken to other areas.

"Now you need affirmative action to catch up and we are not apologetic to anybody, absolutely at all,” he went on.

His remarks came only a day after Ruto maintained that no region in Kenya should be discriminated against based on voting patterns in the last election when it comes to matters of development.

Meanwhile, Gachagua also refuted claims of a fallout with President Ruto precipitated by the recent cabinet reshuffle which saw some of his responsibilities allocated to Prime CS, Musalia Mudavadi.

Political fanfare and speculation emerged after President Ruto allocated Mudavadi more roles in which he now doubles as the Foreign Affairs docket, assuming functions transferred to DP Gachagua's office earlier this year.

“Our government led by William Ruto is steady and very stable, there is no problem and there will be none.

"The President and I are not foolish, we are great friends and even if you hear us talking differently, it is still the same thing,” Gachagua clarified.

The DP further vowed to support the President in the next general elections, adding that he will rally Mt Kenya residents to vote for President Ruto to the last man.

“I want to tell these people (opposition), straight in the face, please don't waste your time, there will be no division in this government, President William Ruto and I talk the same language, we consult, we agree and we move on and the President is taking us in the right direction,” Gachagua said.

President William Ruto and DP Rigathi Gachagua with the UDA leadership at the Bomas of Kenya for the UDA National Governing Council on September 29, 2023. /DPPS