NAIROBI, Kenya- Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has criticised President William Ruto’s administration over the university lecturers’ strike, the cost of living and the Government’s response to a milk shortage, as his Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) mobilised supporters in Kajiado.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Gachagua said households were struggling to afford food and warned that insults and name-calling would deepen public anger.
He assured supporters that his political camp would not abandon them, calling for a “new chapter” led by leaders who listen to Kenyans.
The statement followed a DCP outreach in Kajiado town led by Nyandarua Senator John Methu. Methu said residents stood firm despite what he described as heavy police intimidation.
Gachagua seized on the Government’s proposal to explore buffalo milk production, saying Kenyans were being told to turn to wild animals because cows were producing less milk.
President Ruto had proposed diversifying milk sources, while Livestock Development Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke clarified that the Government was considering importing domesticated Murrah water buffaloes from India, not wild buffaloes from Kenyan parks.
The criticism comes as public university lecturers and staff remain on strike over the stalled 2025–2029 collective bargaining agreement.
The unions began the nationwide strike on October 2, and talks held on October 8 failed to resolve the dispute.
Gachagua also condemned the reported killing of more than 700 livestock during a security operation in Samburu County, calling it evidence of poor leadership.
The figure is disputed. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen told MPs that police records showed 237 animals had been killed, and ruled out compensation.
The Kajiado visit forms part of DCP’s effort to build support beyond its Mount Kenya base ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The party has been courting the Maa region, and ten Kajiado MCAs joined DCP in August.
