NAIROBI, Kenya – Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has publicly released the Kenya Kwanza coalition agreement signed by President William Ruto, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula, and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi ahead of the 2022 general elections.
The document, which outlines the power-sharing structure and governance policies of the coalition, has sparked fresh debate over equity in government appointments and the fulfillment of pre-election promises.
Gachagua’s decision to release the agreement comes amid ongoing criticism of his calls for a “shareholding” model in government, where only regions that supported the Kenya Kwanza coalition would benefit from state appointments.
His remarks, which President Ruto disowned, had garnered widespread condemnation from opposition leaders and some within the ruling coalition, leading to Gachagua’s impeachment.
The 17-page document, dated May 8, 2022, reveals the coalition’s founding principles, power-sharing formula, and governance objectives.
“Where I am, that is where the government will be. I have extensive political experience because I studied political science at university,” Gachagua stated. ynews.digital/top-stories/ga…
Key highlights include the allocation of 30% of national government positions to Amani National Congress (ANC) and FORD-Kenya, the two parties that partnered with Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to form the coalition.
The agreement also stipulates the creation of the Prime Cabinet Secretary position, which was later filled by Mudavadi, and outlines a roadmap for equitable development across the country.
Power-Sharing Formula Under Scrutiny
The agreement stipulates that ANC and FORD-Kenya would equally share key positions, including Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, and ambassadors.
It also mandates that FORD-Kenya nominate the Speaker of the National Assembly, a position currently held by Wetangula.
Gachagua, who faced backlash for his controversial remarks, defended his stance by stating that his call for a “shareholding” model was rooted in the coalition’s original agreement.
“This document proves that what I said was not out of place. It was a reflection of the commitment we made to our supporters,” he said.
In an interview on Tuesday, Gachagua refuted claims that he played a role in mobilizing the youth-led demonstrations, suggesting that the accusations were part of a broader political scheme to remove him from office. ynews.digital/top-stories/ga…
Development Promises and Accountability
The coalition agreement also outlines priority development projects, particularly in Western Kenya, the stronghold of ANC and FORD-Kenya.
These include the completion of stalled road projects, the revival of sugar factories, and the construction of 1,000 kilometers of new bitumen roads.
While some projects have been initiated, many Kenyans feel that the pace of implementation has been slow.
