Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has called out President William Ruto and his government officials, urging them to tone down their anger and stop lecturing Kenyans when they raise concerns about issues affecting the country.
Speaking at a church service at Mwiki PCEA on Sunday, December 8, 2024, Gachagua emphasized that a responsive government should listen to its citizens and adjust its programs to meet their expectations.
He criticized the arrogance and angry lectures by some leaders in recent days.
“I want to ask our leaders to be tolerant of divergent opinions. If Kenyans say things are not okay, stop lecturing them. They are the ones who employed you,” he said.
Addressing Recent Remarks by Ruto and His Cabinet
Gachagua referred to recent remarks by President Ruto, who claimed that opposition to the Adani takeover of JKIA came from Kenyans who had never even been to the airport.
He argued that government officials should not respond with anger when citizens voice concerns.
“Why are you annoyed? Don’t get annoyed when you are told things are not working. If your boss tells you things are not okay, you don’t get annoyed,” Gachagua stated.
Defending the Role of the Church
The former deputy president also defended the church, which has been vocal in criticizing the Kenya Kwanza administration.
He praised religious leaders for their role in highlighting the struggles of ordinary citizens, describing them as one of the few independent voices capable of speaking truth to power.
“The voice of the church is the voice of God. If the Church is saying there is a problem, these religious leaders are the ones who spend a lot of time with the ordinary citizens. Before the problems facing citizens get to us as leaders, it is the religious leaders who get them first-hand,” Gachagua noted.
He continued, “If they say the economy is not okay, it is the truth. If they say the SHIF and SHA have issues, that is the truth. If they say they don’t want the housing program, that is the truth. Let us stop censuring our religious leaders.”
Citizens Are the True Bosses
Gachagua reiterated that Kenyans are the true bosses and that government officials have a duty to listen to their concerns.
His comments come amidst growing tensions between the government and citizens over the Adani takeover of JKIA, a deal that faced public backlash due to secrecy and corruption allegations before its eventual cancellation.
Gachagua’s bold remarks have underscored the need for the government to adopt a more inclusive and empathetic approach to addressing citizens’ grievances.
