NAIROBI, Kenya — Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has issued a public apology to residents of Kieni Constituency over what he termed “political mistakes” made during the 2022 General Election campaigns, saying he is determined to correct them as the country heads toward the next polls.
Gachagua said he regretted campaigning aggressively for a candidate he now accuses of advancing policies that undermine youth empowerment, particularly in the digital economy.
“During the 2022 campaigns, I made many mistakes which I must correct, and I will stop at nothing,” Gachagua said, acknowledging that his past political choices had contributed to outcomes he no longer supports.
During the 2022 campaigns, I made many mistakes which I must correct and I will stop at nothing.I campaigned vigorously for this Mzee who now wants our young people in Kieni Constituency to be empowered to be computer illiterate before they proceed to Singapore; modern day
He took aim at programmes he claimed promote the export of young Kenyans for overseas work without equipping them with adequate digital skills, describing the approach as “modern-day slavery” and a form of backward brain drain.
According to Gachagua, such policies fail to prepare young people for opportunities in the global digital economy and instead expose them to exploitation.
In a direct appeal to voters, the former deputy president apologised to Kieni residents and asked for forgiveness, pledging to realign himself politically with their aspirations.
“I once again apologise to the people of Kieni and seek their forgiveness. I will do whatever it takes to join the people of Kieni and many other constituencies, and above all, Kenya’s presidency, in correcting this mistake in August next year,” he said.
Gachagua argued that the leadership he criticised was not an isolated case, but rather a reflection of deeper problems within Kenya’s political class, which he said must be confronted ahead of the next general election.
His remarks come at a time of shifting political alignments as leaders position themselves for the upcoming polls.
Since leaving office, Gachagua has remained politically active and is currently the leader of the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), which he is using as a platform to reassert his influence on the national stage.
