Ex-DP Gachagua failed in his role as President’s principal assistant

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki stated on Wednesday that his predecessor, Rigathi Gachagua, failed to fulfil his responsibilities as President William Ruto’s principal assistant.

According to Kindiki, Gachagua did not effectively support the President, accusing him of failing to meet the expectations and mandate associated with the office of the country’s second-in-command.

“The work of monitoring, evaluating, and tracking the progress of the commitments our party made to the people of Kenya was assigned to the Deputy Party Leader, who is the Deputy President,” he said.

“Our brother, Rigathi Gachagua, who was here as Deputy President, was not bothered with the development of anything. He spent two years in this place, the Karen Residence, and never called a single county to ask them what we committed to do, what we have done, and what we are not doing well. Not a single meeting for two years,” Kindiki added.

While addressing a consultative forum on the implementation of government programmes with leaders from Tharaka Nithi County at his residence in Karen, Kindiki remarked that Gachagua played a significant role in tarnishing the image of the Kenya Kwanza administration.

“The government has faced reputational issues because there has been no one to assist the President in tracking the country’s development agenda. We wasted two years, but it’s okay; there is still time,” he said.

As the current occupant of the office following Gachagua’s impeachment, Kindiki pledged to provide President Ruto with the necessary support to fulfil his promises to the Kenyan people.

“He (Rigathi Gachagua) is no longer here; he left office, and I am now the one holding the Deputy President position. I must do what we should have done over the last two years,” Kindiki said.

“The pressure I want Kenyans to put on me as Deputy President is to ask me after one year, on behalf of President William Ruto, can you tell us what this administration has done regarding roads, energy, water, among others? That’s the way I understand my work,” he added.

However, he made it clear that members of the ruling party should not appear to oppose the very administration they are part of.

“Wale wanataka ku-oppose rais, watoke nje waungane na Kalonzo Musyoka, Wajackoyah, na hiyo team ingine, waanze ku-oppose wakiwa nje,” he said.

“You cannot be a Deputy President or a minister (Cabinet Secretary) flying a flag and sabotage the same administration you are serving. It is not possible,” Kindiki added.

Kindiki further asserted his understanding of his role as a deputy, noting, “Kuna watu wakati mwingine wanani-advise sijui fanya hivi, sijui ooh.. hukai kama unapingana na rais. I am wondering, is the work of the Deputy President to oppose the President? And is that the job description?”