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| President William Ruto (l) and his deputy, Rigathi Gachagua (r) |
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has maintained his stance on his ‘shareholding remarks’ despite the president’s subtle rejection of his controversial remarks. On February 19, 2023, Gachagua said that government appointments and contracts would be a preserve for those who voted for the Kenya Kwanza government.
“This government is a company that has shares. There are owners who have the majority of shares, and those with just a few, while others do not have any. You invested in this government and you must reap. You sowed, tilled, put manure and irrigated, and now it is time to reap,” he said.
I have no apologies Speaking during the burial of Simon Kaberia M’Aburi, the brother to Tigania East MP Mpuru Aburi in Meru County on Saturday, October 7, the second-in-command reiterated his narrative about the Kenya Kwanza regime being a shareholding entity.
“We will make sure we increase our shareholding in this government from 47% to almost 60%. Many people are uncomfortable about our shareholding,” he said. Adding: “We have no apologies to make in investing in President Ruto.
We are happy with what is going on so far, and we have every intention to increase our support for him.” President William Ruto differs with Gachagua’s remarks His comments seemed as a direct response to President William Ruto’s statement in Nyanza, where he emphasized the importance of equality among all Kenyans.
“It is primitive and backwards for anybody to imagine that any region of Kenya cannot get development on account of how they voted. I want to assure the people of Kenya that we will move together as one nation,” President Ruto said.
The president firmly stated that all Kenyans have the right to government, regardless of their political preferences. “No one should tell you that you are out of government; this is your government, you all pay taxes, and you are Kenyans, and this is your government.
We will make sure no part of the country will be discriminated against on matters of development because of political differences,” he noted. What is Gachagua fighting for? Gachagua expressed his intention to secure additional resources and positions for his Mt. Kenya backyard in the Kenya Kwanza government.
“I don’t know why many people have a problem when this region is united on purpose. Many people are for whatever reason very uncomfortable. I am sorry there is nothing they can do. I am sorry for their discomfort.”
by Nancy Odindo