NYERI, Kenya – Kenya’s former Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua, has launched a scathing critique of President William Ruto’s leadership, accusing him of sidelining leaders, mismanaging key policies, and ignoring the struggles of ordinary citizens.
Speaking on Inooro TV’s Kiririmbi, Gachagua particularly singled out the Hustler Fund—a flagship initiative by Ruto’s administration aimed at empowering small businesses—as a failed promise to Kenyans.
“I would go to Karatina, and people would ask, ‘What business can you start with Ksh.500?’” Gachagua said. “This Hustler Fund is angering the very people we promised to uplift. We have let them down.”
The fund, initially presented as a lifeline for small-scale entrepreneurs, has faced mounting criticism for offering insufficient financial support to spark real change.
Gachagua also took aim at the contentious Finance Bill 2024, which has sparked widespread discontent due to proposed steep taxes.
He claimed to have warned Ruto that the bill, which many view as oppressive, would alienate citizens struggling with a tough economy.
“The bill reflects poor governance and is completely out of touch with what ordinary Kenyans are facing,” Gachagua said.
The former DP did not stop there. He accused President Ruto of running a “one-man show,” sidelining Cabinet Secretaries and reducing them to mere figureheads.
“The president runs the country as a one-man show. These ministers you see are just flower girls—they have no real say,” Gachagua remarked. “Changing the cabinet won’t fix anything unless we change the president himself.”
Gachagua urged Ruto to acknowledge the growing frustration among Kenyans, citing discontent spreading across the country.
“People are complaining everywhere—on the streets, in bars, and now even in songs,” he said. “It’s time for the president to pause and ask himself why there’s so much frustration.”
As the new year approaches, Gachagua called on Ruto to seek forgiveness from Kenyans and reflect on his leadership style.
“He should stop listening to his advisors because they are misleading him,” Gachagua advised. “Let him go to the people, admit his mistakes, and ask for forgiveness. Insulting those who trusted you with leadership is wrong.”
Speaking on Inooro TV’s Kiririmbi, Gachagua particularly singled out the Hustler Fund—a flagship initiative by Ruto’s administration aimed at empowering small businesses—as a failed promise to Kenyans.
“I would go to Karatina, and people would ask, ‘What business can you start with Ksh.500?’” Gachagua said. “This Hustler Fund is angering the very people we promised to uplift. We have let them down.”
The fund, initially presented as a lifeline for small-scale entrepreneurs, has faced mounting criticism for offering insufficient financial support to spark real change.
Gachagua also took aim at the contentious Finance Bill 2024, which has sparked widespread discontent due to proposed steep taxes.
He claimed to have warned Ruto that the bill, which many view as oppressive, would alienate citizens struggling with a tough economy.
“The bill reflects poor governance and is completely out of touch with what ordinary Kenyans are facing,” Gachagua said.
The former DP did not stop there. He accused President Ruto of running a “one-man show,” sidelining Cabinet Secretaries and reducing them to mere figureheads.
“The president runs the country as a one-man show. These ministers you see are just flower girls—they have no real say,” Gachagua remarked. “Changing the cabinet won’t fix anything unless we change the president himself.”
Gachagua urged Ruto to acknowledge the growing frustration among Kenyans, citing discontent spreading across the country.
“People are complaining everywhere—on the streets, in bars, and now even in songs,” he said. “It’s time for the president to pause and ask himself why there’s so much frustration.”
As the new year approaches, Gachagua called on Ruto to seek forgiveness from Kenyans and reflect on his leadership style.
“He should stop listening to his advisors because they are misleading him,” Gachagua advised. “Let him go to the people, admit his mistakes, and ask for forgiveness. Insulting those who trusted you with leadership is wrong.”
