By MKT Reporter
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has strongly responded to recent remarks by Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale defending President William Ruto’s administration, escalating an ongoing political exchange over governance and public policy.
Speaking yesterday during a church service at ACK St. Mark Maragua Church in Maragua Constituency, Gachagua dismissed Duale’s claims that opposition criticism stems from discomfort with President Ruto’s development agenda. Duale had earlier argued that the President is deliberately focusing on national unity and equitable development, and urged critics not to “harass” him in office.
In his rebuttal, Gachagua contrasted Ruto’s leadership with that of former President Uhuru Kenyatta, stating that Kenyatta never moved to impeach his Deputy, unlike the current administration. He alleged that he was deliberately undermined during his tenure as Deputy President, making it difficult for him to perform his duties effectively.
Gachagua also shifted focus to pressing national issues, warning that the Social Health Authority (SHA) is facing serious operational challenges and could collapse within months if not urgently addressed. He claimed that teachers, police officers and other civil servants are already suffering due to reduced medical coverage under the new system.
Responding to President Ruto’s remarks suggesting the opposition requires “medical treatment,” Gachagua advised the government to prioritize restoring services at Kenyatta National Hospital, which he described as overwhelmed and failing many patients.
He further criticized rising fuel prices, urging the government to ease the cost of living, and faulted the administration for failing to allocate funds to compensate victims of past protests.
On internal political tensions, Gachagua revealed that Deputy President Kithure Kindiki had reached out seeking reconciliation. While expressing no personal conflict with Kindiki, he insisted he could not overlook past actions linked to his time as Interior Cabinet Secretary.
Following the church service, Gachagua continued his “Meet the People” tour across Murang’a County, making stops in Maragua Town, Kenol Town, and Progas Shopping Centre, where he engaged residents on governance and economic concerns.
He was accompanied by dozens of leaders affiliated to the United opposition
Alex Njeru