MOMBASA, Kenya- Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has launched a scathing attack on the Kenya Kwanza administration, accusing it of betraying public trust and pushing the country to the brink, in a fiery address to residents of Changamwe, Mombasa.
Speaking during a political mobilisation tour at the Coast, the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader painted a grim picture of a nation weighed down by economic hardship, insecurity and what he termed as failed government promises.
Gachagua accused the administration led by William Ruto of abandoning key pledges, including universal healthcare, affordable education and protection of civil liberties.
“They promised us freedom; instead, they issued shoot-to-kill orders. They promised universal healthcare, but delivered an animal called SHA — functionless,” he said, in reference to the controversial Social Health Authority reforms.
He further claimed that the education sector is in distress, citing delayed capitation to schools and worsening conditions for teachers.
“As we speak now, our schools are lean on capitation, coupled with underpaid, overworked, overtaxed and demotivated teachers,” he said.
The former Deputy President also dismissed what he described as “lofty but unrealistic” economic promises by the government, warning against comparisons with highly developed nations.
“They are now promising us an imaginary Singapore, but your guess is as good as mine on the state of our nation,” he said.
In one of his most charged remarks, Gachagua referenced the deadly June 25 2024 Gen Z protests Kenya, accusing the state of using excessive force against young demonstrators.
“We have not forgotten June 25th, 2024, when our Gen Zs were butchered in broad daylight,” he said, drawing cheers and sombre reactions from the crowd.
He warned that Kenyans were reaching what he called an “elastic limit,” citing rising school fees, high cost of healthcare, punitive taxation and alleged state capture as key pressure points.
“The burden of school fees, the cost of healthcare, punitive taxes and grabbing of private property are taking Kenyans through the roof,” he said.
Gachagua urged the government to respect constitutional freedoms, including the right to life, movement and peaceful assembly, insisting that Kenya remains a democratic state.
“Kenya is not East Germany under Nazi rule. Kenya is a free and democratic country,” he said.
He positioned his United Alternative Government movement as a viable option, promising reforms centred on healthcare, education, security and economic stability.
“We only need peace. Kenyans are hardworking people and they will survive. But do not harm us anymore,” he said.
The Coast tour, which included stops across Mombasa, signals an intensifying political campaign by Gachagua as he seeks to consolidate support ahead of a looming political realignment.
His remarks are likely to further heighten political tensions, as opposition voices grow louder over the state of the economy and governance in the country.
