Kenya Insights

Tag: DP Rigathi Gachagua

  • Turnaround: Gachagua Seeks Peace With The Kenyatta’s

    Turnaround: Gachagua Seeks Peace With The Kenyatta’s

    The season of peace is here and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is not remaining behind. Following recent ‘handshake’ between ODM leader Raila Odinga and President William Ruto, the DP has also dived in and has apologised to former First Lady Mama Ngina Kenyatta raising speculation of an imminent truce between him and Former President Uhuru Kenyatta.

    At the heights of the 2022 general election campaign, Gachagua had declared a war on the Kenyatta family that he persistently attacked as the dynasty and attributed most of the Kikuyu’s problems to. Gachagua’s boss President William Ruto and their allies engaged in a smear campaign against the Kenyatta’s during the 2022 campaigns and even after.

    In the run-up to the 2022 general election, Ruto and his team fashioned their politics around presenting Uhuru as the source of Mt Kenya’s problems and poverty claiming his family used state resources to enrich themselves thereby taking advantage of the poor in the Mt Kenya region.

    In the Uhuru phobia campaign, the Kenyatta family was accused of raising the cost of living at the behest of his family, which was accused of benefitting from the oil subsidy program.

    On April 24 last year, in one of his tirades against Mama Ngina, Gachagua challenged her to divide half of the Kenyatta family’s huge tracts of land to the children of Mau Mau who he claimed were squatters. This was after Mama Ngina met freedom fighter the late Muthoni Kirima- Field Marshall

    “I was so happy yesterday to see people saying that they are thinking of how to help the Mau Mau. Even if they have never helped them since 1963 it’s still not late because the Mau Mau and their descendants are suffering,” Gachagua said.

    He added “All we’re asking is for them to help the Mau Mau in a meaningful way. All the land they took from the Mau Mau, let them return at least half of the parcels of land to the Mau Mau and their children including myself.”

    Yesterday while offering himself to what he referred to as reverting the river back to its course, Gachagua said he was aware that such campaign excesses where mothers are demonized were against Agikuyu culture as ‘it would not attract blessings but a curse’.

    “I am sorry for involving Mama Ngina Kenyatta in the last general elections politics. She is our mother. I therefore ask for forgiveness on behalf of our team for any inconvenience caused to her. I will never allow anyone to demean her or anyone from the region,” Gachagua remarked.

    During an interview with Kameme TV, Gachagua insisted that despite the political mudslinging, the issues between him and the Former President is now behind him adding he is ready to initiate talks with him.

    “The former President Uhuru Kenyatta is our son. We worked together for 17 years and only disagreed for 2 years and now that’s the past. I pray for him in his retirement. Uhuru is one of us. We shall talk with everyone,” he said.

    The Deputy President urged the Mount Kenya Region to  embrace unity amidst disunity talks within the region.

    “Our unity is our strength and that’s why I keep insisting that our generation should be protected. Anytime we are in the government we need to have unison in our thinking and loving one another,” Gachagua stated.

    Gachagua’s about turn and change of tune regarding the Kenyatta family is a departure from what he was during the campaign period and in the early months of the Kenya Kwanza administration. Gachagua would use every space, airtime, room an opportunity to castigate Uhuru and his mother as the beacon of ills against Kenya.

    The Kenyatta family’s name hang precariously on the lips of the Kenya Kwanza government and its politicos. The family was accused of being the cause of Mt Kenya region’s economic woes. They claimed that the family was the cause of the poverty that ‘hustlers’ faced.

    In a move targeting the Kenyatta family, on February 1 2023, Kenya Kwanza Senators led by John Methu (Nyandarua) urged the National Assembly to investigate tax waivers enjoyed by the Kenyatta family during Uhuru’s tenure.

    The senators also wanted an audit of Uhuru’s wealth to establish whether the Kenyatta family duly paid its land rates.

    The move prompted Mama Ngina Kenyatta to come out gun blazing saying she is ready to have her property auctioned upon proof of tax evasion by the State.

    “It is a fact that every employed Kenyan should pay income tax, irrespective of their job group. That is not up for discussion. There is no need to malign someone, to seem as though you are doing something,” the former First Lady said. She added “The government has policies in place. If I’m found to have breached the law…even for a year, I will pay the said taxes.”

    On March 27, 2023, Kenyatta’s Northlands Estate in Kiambu was raided by goons, in what was believed to be State-sponsored. A huge part of the farm was burnt, trees felled, illegal subdivision done and sheep stolen some slaughtered and meet sold around the Kamakis nyamachoma area along Eastern bypass.

    In July 2023, the Kenya Kwanza administration came under sharp focus when the former president called the media early night and complained about a supposed raid at his son’s house over claims of possessing arms without license. That was seen by pundits as a move that took war to Uhuru’s doorstep. Uhuru dared the President Ruto administration to arrest him vowing to do all that he could to protect his family.

    “The fact that I’m silent doesn’t mean I’m scared. Come for me. What does my mother have to do with anything? What do my children have to do with anything? You know where I am, come for me”, Uhuru said at the dramatic event.

    Gachagua has been keen on consolidating his support base in the mountain and came out furious with the kingpin discussion when new entrants like Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro was being feinted by a section of UDA leadership as a suitable replacement for him in the 2027 elections. Gachagua has now gone back to drawing board and is gathering support from everyone.

    During the Kameme interview, He also expressed willingness to participate in Limuru III conference which is being prepared by Jubilee party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni, Uhuru’s ally, and Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua reiterating that he was open to support any unity mission over Mt Kenya region.

  • State Mulls Plan To Return Cheap Beer

    State Mulls Plan To Return Cheap Beer

    The government is working on a model of reintroducing low-priced but healthy and affordable alcoholic drinks as one of the ways of eradicating illicit brew on the market.

    Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said that under the model, the government will also address taxation, which impedes the production of cheaper but healthy brands.

    Mr Gachagua spoke on Monday in light of the ongoing government crackdown on illicit liquor manufacturers and sellers. He said talks are ongoing with a leading alcoholic beverages manufacturer over production of the low-priced beverage.

    “We have asked the manufacturer to start a cheap, healthy and affordable alcoholic drink. We will address the taxation issue. The main problem is the portable spirits, whose alcohol level is extremely high and toxic- which have ruined families. As a government we have a responsibility to eradicate the illicit brews,” said the DP.

    Speaking in an interview at vernacular stations Kameme TV and Kameme FM on Monday, Mr Gachagua explained that the ongoing fight is targeting manufacturers and sellers of the illicit and illegal brews.

    The Deputy President highlighted the government’s achievements and the ongoing efforts to turn around the economy.

    “Legit businesses will not be affected by the crackdown. Bar owners must unite and work with the government to eradicate the rogue traders and manufacturers producing the killer drinks. Instead of rushing to court to fight the crackdown, the bar owners should establish an organization to eradicate the rogue traders amongst them,” he said.

    He added: “Bar owners must stop claiming that the government is fighting their businesses. They should assist the government in eradicating illicit drinks as they have also destroyed their businesses. We are not fighting legitimate businesses because the Ruto Administration supports genuine enterprises,” he stated.

    He said the Government will not allow unscrupulous traders to kill people.

    “Greed and overnight chase for accumulation of wealth led us into this menace. Let us be reasonable and responsible towards wealth creation. We will do whatever we can to win the war. The illicit brews have ruined families and killed young people,” he said.

    He also urged governors to open rehabilitation wards in Level Four hospitals to treat addicts of alcoholism.

    On the political situation in the country, the Deputy President said he supports the report of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report and its recommendations.

    “The report is good. Initially, I had discomfort with it but after being convinced by President William Ruto I support it. The recommendations such as reconstitution of the electoral commission, return of the official leader of the opposition and entrenching the position of Prime Cabinet Secretary in the Constitution are good for the country,” he said.

    On the principle of ‘one man, one vote, and one shilling’, the Deputy President said the issue will be addressed even if it is not in the NADCO report.

    “The ‘one man, one vote, and one shilling’ formula of sharing resources will be addressed even if it is not in the NADCO report. The formula is for fair distribution of resources based on numerical strength. In the national government we have good representation,” he said.

    Regarding the forthcoming delimitation of boundaries, Mr Gachagua assured Mt Kenya residents that no constituency will be scrapped overpopulation quota. Instead, he said Mt Kenya deserves additional constituencies.

    He cited areas like Kiharu and Kieni deserve sub-division because they are vast while others like Ruiru and Thika deserve sub-division because they are highly populated.

    On the agriculture sector, the Deputy President said the reforms in the coffee, tea, macadamia and avocado sub-sectors were bearing fruit.

    Farmers’ earnings have increased since the Ruto Administration came to power, he said.

    “Coffee farmers through their cooperatives can now access direct sales,” said the Deputy President.

    He added that the government is also turning focus on the revival of the pyrethrum subsector.

  • DP Rigathi Gachagua to Attend Memorial Service for Londiani Junction Crash Victims

    DP Rigathi Gachagua to Attend Memorial Service for Londiani Junction Crash Victims

    DP Rigathi Gachagua will attend a special memorial prayer service for the victims of the tragic accident at Londiani Junction.

    The service, which will be held on July 4, 2023, at Londiani grounds, will bring together the local community, clergy, and various guests including governors, senators, Members of Parliament, and senior government officials.

    Ms. Florence Bore, the Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection, announced the memorial prayer service at the Kericho County Government headquarters.

    She mentioned that a fundraiser would be held after the service to support the families of the victims.

    DP Rigathi Gachagua

    Bore expressed condolences for the lives lost in the Londiani accident and emphasized the importance of coming together as a county and as a national government to provide a proper send-off for the deceased and wish the injured a speedy recovery.

    Bore also stated that the government, through different ministries, would contribute to the cause. The Ministry of Health had already donated medicine supplies to hospitals in Kericho and Londiani.

    In preparation for the prayer ceremony, Bore, together with Kericho Governor Dr. Eric Mutai, Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot, Kericho Members of Parliament, and Members of the County Assembly, held a consultative meeting. They also inspected the grounds where the memorial would take place.

    Governor Mutai assured that the county government would cover the hospital and mortuary bills for the victims. He acknowledged that the majority of the affected individuals were ordinary workers, and the government wanted to support them by waiving all bills.

    DP Rigathi Gachagua

    Mutai also praised traders at Kapkelek Centre who had already relocated from conducting business along the roadside to a designated marketplace that offered greater safety. He promised to construct a market for traders at Londiani junction.

    The Kenya Red Cross Society Kericho Branch Coordinator reported that family contact tracing was ongoing at Londiani hospital. So far, 49 deceased persons had been positively identified by their family members. Additionally, 56 individuals were reported missing in hospitals and the Londiani Hospital Mortuary.

    The accident at Londiani junction occurred on Friday evening and involved a trailer registered in Rwanda. It resulted in the tragic death of 52 people and left 32 others injured.

    Transport and Roads Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen visited the accident scene and issued directives. He ordered the relocation of all markets along road reserves and instructed the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) to construct access roads to these markets.

    Murkomen also directed relevant agencies to revise speed limits in the area, install bumps and signages, and include the dangerous section as a location for speed detection cameras. These measures would support the enforcement of traffic laws and regulations.

    Furthermore, Murkomen called for immediate road safety education and awareness programs by County Transport Safety Committees in all 47 counties, targeting traders, pedestrians, school children, and boda-boda operators.

    The Ministry of Transport would also hold consultative meetings with the East Africa Community to guide the harmonization of motor vehicle inspections in the region. Murkomen urged all motorists to prioritize safety on the roads for their own sake and that of others.

  • President William Ruto, DP Gachagua and MPs’ Pay Raise Amid Economic Struggles Stirs Controversy

    President William Ruto, DP Gachagua and MPs’ Pay Raise Amid Economic Struggles Stirs Controversy

    Despite widespread calls for austerity measures and the challenging economic times faced by Kenyans, President William Ruto, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, and Members of Parliament (MPs) are set to enjoy a substantial 14 percent pay raise over the next two years.

    The proposed review, put forward by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), aims to cushion these state officers against the rising cost of living.

     

    If approved, this pay raise would provide significant relief to officials who have been grappling with the persistently high inflation that has eroded personal incomes and driven up the cost of basic consumer products.

    President William Ruto

    However, it is important to note that this move raises concerns about the growing disparity between the salaries of state officers and the struggling salaried workers, part-time workers, and those in the informal sector, who continue to bear the brunt of the biting inflationary environment.

    President Ruto’s monthly gross remuneration package is expected to rise by 7.1 percent from July 2023, reaching a staggering Sh1,546,875, before another 6.7 percent increase to Sh1,650,000 from July 2024.

    Similarly, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua will witness a 14.3 percent jump in his remuneration package over the two-year period, with his monthly compensation rising to Sh1,367,438 from July 1, and eventually reaching Sh1,402,500.

    Cabinet Secretaries will also see their remuneration rise to Sh1,056,000 per month starting from July 2024.

    In addition to the pay raise, Members of Parliament, including senators, will experience an 8.3 percent wage increase over the next two financial years, earning Sh741,003 and Sh769,201 respectively, excluding committee sitting allowances, which are capped at Sh120,000 per month.

    The proposed pay raise extends beyond the national government, as governors are set to receive a comparable increase in compensation, while Members of the County Assembly will witness a 14 percent rise in their monthly remuneration.

    Moreover, other state officers, including principal secretaries, the Chief Justice, the Deputy Chief Justice, the Auditor-General, judges, the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Inspector-General of Police, and chairpersons of key commissions, will also enjoy a pay raise.

    The proposed review encompasses allowances and benefits such as car loans, mortgage benefits, pensions, and medical and hospital insurance.

    While the SRC has invited public comments on the proposed remuneration packages before finalizing them, the potential approval of these increases will undoubtedly expand the country’s already burdensome wage bill.

    President William Ruto
    Members of Parliament are also set to benefit from the controversial 14% pay increase. [Image: PD]
    As of the fiscal year ended June 2022, the national government’s wage bill stood at Sh506.29 billion, with the counties’ wage bill reaching Sh190.11 billion. The SRC has acknowledged that the escalating wage bill is impeding other government expenditures, and it has highlighted the importance of sustained revenue growth to mitigate its impact.

    Unfortunately, private sector workers, who experienced a mere 5.6 percent wage increase in 2022, are left envious of the state officers’ substantial pay raise. Moreover, the meager wage growth in the private sector was effectively wiped out by inflation, which led to a 2.7 percent decline in real wage growth last year.

    Inflation has remained persistently high this year, primarily driven by increased food and fuel costs. These economic challenges have compelled the Central Bank of Kenya to raise the benchmark lending rate to its highest level in nearly seven years.

    May’s inflation rate reached 8.0 percent, surpassing the prescribed upper limit of 7.5 percent, further exacerbating the financial struggles faced by Kenyans.

  • Gachagua: Finance Bill Designed To Benefit Mt. Kenya Region

    Gachagua: Finance Bill Designed To Benefit Mt. Kenya Region

    Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has expressed his optimism regarding the benefits the Mount Kenya region will receive from the proposals in the Finance Bill 2023. Speaking at a Farmers Field Day in Githunguri, Kiambu County, Gachagua highlighted the allocation of a significant amount of funds aimed at completing stalled development projects in the region.

    Gachagua emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing infrastructure challenges in the area, particularly in regard to roads. He stated, “If there is a region that has been considered in the Finance Bill, it’s Mount Kenya.

    Gachagua

    To start with, our Mau Mau roads had come to a standstill due to lack of funds. Additionally, projects in Kiambu and Githunguri were also halted. In this year’s budget, we have allocated Ksh250 billion, and now our roads will continue to be built.”

    The deputy president further highlighted the agricultural sector’s benefits, specifically for farmers in the region. He noted that the Finance Bill 2023 would zero-rate commodities such as animal feeds, resulting in reduced prices and increased benefits for farmers.

    Gachagua also mentioned the elimination of value-added tax (VAT) on tea and the zero-rating of tea packaging, illustrating the government’s commitment to supporting the tea industry.

    Expressing his gratitude, Gachagua acknowledged the lawmakers from the region for their overwhelming support of the Finance Bill 2023. Their votes in favor of the proposed law contributed to its success during the Second Reading in the National Assembly. Out of the 257 participating MPs, 176 voted in favor of the bill, with 81 opposing it.

    In addition to the financial benefits, Gachagua pledged to tackle cartels in the coffee and tea sectors, aiming to increase farmers’ income. By addressing the challenges posed by these cartels, the deputy president demonstrated the government’s commitment to supporting the agricultural community and ensuring fair practices within the industry.

    The Finance Bill 2023 has cleared the Second Reading and is now set for consideration by the committee of the whole House on June 20. The bill must be passed by June 30 to take effect on July 1.

    The proposed measures in the Finance Bill 2023 highlight the government’s focus on addressing key development and economic concerns in the Mount Kenya region.

    By allocating significant funds to infrastructure projects and implementing beneficial policies for farmers, the bill aims to enhance the region’s growth and prosperity.

    As the bill progresses through the legislative process, it is expected to receive further attention and scrutiny to ensure that the proposed benefits are effectively realized.

  • What If Ruto Drops Gachagua For Mudavadi In 2027?

    What If Ruto Drops Gachagua For Mudavadi In 2027?

    What willl be left of the Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua after his tendency to court controversy and moves to to portray himself as an individual who is unafraid to speak his mind ends?

    Gachagua has been in office for only five months since his inauguration but he has made a million statements that have elicited fury for being unbecoming of his high position. His corruption cases have been dropped and Sh200 million frozen by the retired regime given back to him.

    But he still remains unbowed by the criticism and accusations of reducing the stature of the Office of the Deputy President to a tribal corridor. Gachagua still thinks he is unapologetic and resolute in his mission to speak the truth.

    He recently sparked outrage after he said the Kenya Kwanza government will only prioritize those who supported it in the 2022 General Election amid a sustained onslaught by allies of the previous regime.

    “This government is a company that has shares. There are owners who have the majority of shares, and those with just a few, while others do not have any, therefore those who voted for us and supported us must enjoy the benefits first,” Gachagua said.

    Many Kenyans wonder if he will survive re-election in 2027 and be President William Ruto’s running mate again amid fears that he may be dropped for Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi who is more presidential, reserved and from the Luhya community which is also rich in votes.

    Political Analyst Javas Bigambo argues that Gachagua’s chances of being part of the ticket will largely depend on how he will balance politics and delivery of services to Kenyans.

    But Gachagua believes that he has consolidated enough backing from his Mount Kenya backyard to negotiate with big boys on the political table and make a comeback in 2027.

    “He is trying to reduce the space that Ruto was operating in liberally in Mt. Kenya because he knows he is too busy with state management,” Bigambo argued.

    President William Ruto and PCS Musalia Mudavadi sharing light momemnts during a past event [p/courtesy]
    It must be noted that President Ruto has never depended on any form of “political crutches” when pursuing his dream while Gachagua’s ascension to being the countries second in command came as a surprise to many in the run up to the August 2022 General Election.

    President Ruto sympathized with him after the current Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki bowed out of the race despite making the best cut of a running mate material.

    The former Mathira MP has kept an animated profile since becoming the DP as he keeps on veering off from the persona of what is required of a Deputy President to being a crooked street politician.

    Although President Ruto has never shown any signs of being uncomfortable with his deputy’s style of politics, chances are hight that he might drop him as he gets into his legacy term.

    And Gachagua must be sensing that his crooked method might not work till 2027. Reliable sources reveal that President Ruto has funded the office of PCS Mudavadi well and might pick him over Gachagua as he defends his seat in the coming polls and eventually endorse the former ANC leader to succeed him in 2032.

    DP Gachagua has now treats Mudavadi as his sworn enemy as he funds idling politicians like the former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala to scuttle Mudavadi’s influence in Western region in attempts to consolidate his power ahead of 2027 general elections.

    His newfound political friendship with Malala has led to the return of the famous Cleo Malala Super Cup that has increased its coverage to include a total of five counties from the wider Luhya region.

    The DP believes that outspoken Malala is the best person to push for his interests in the vote rich Mulembe Nation as recruits a team of Jubilee politicians from Mt. Kenya region to fight his wars and reduce Mudavadi’s chances.

    Political pundits like Mutahi Ngunyi believe that President Ruto is most likely to settle on Mudavadi as his running mate during his 2027 reelection bid. This is one reality that has hit Gachagua hard and he is now desperately fumbling with his possible plan B should the president abandon him.

    The beef between Gachagua and Mudavadi traces back to days before the last general elections when Gachagua acted wild at the prospect of Ruto considering Mudavadi as his running mate. He instisted that the position had to be filled by a person from Mt. Kenya.

    Gachagua got the DP position but Ruto has made him angrier by assigning Mudavadi more roles to overpower the DP in Kenya Kwanza Alliance administration.