In a hard-hitting exclusive interview with NTV Weekend Edition, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has alleged that elements within the government are using criminal gangs to manipulate politics in the region. Gachagua warned that such tactics could destabilize the country, calling the approach a “recipe for disaster.”
Abduction of Bibirioni MCA
The former DP highlighted the recent abduction of Peter Mwathi and the Bibirioni MCA, who was reportedly abandoned in Kinari Forest and is now in a coma. Gachagua accused the police of being complicit in the abduction.
“The police were clearly part of this exercise,” he stated, decrying the use of law enforcement for political intimidation. He added that engaging criminal gangs in governance was a dangerous move that could lead to chaos.
“Whoever has sat down and decided that you want to engage these gangs to manage politics in the region, you’re courting disaster,” he warned.
Concerns Over Adani Airport Deal
Gachagua also weighed in on the ongoing controversy surrounding the Kenya Airports Authority’s agreement with Adani Airport Holdings Limited. He clarified that the deal was never discussed during Cabinet sub-committees he chaired while in office.
“Adani never came up in any Cabinet sub-committees I chaired while in office. SHA [Special Health Authority] came up,” he said, implying a lack of transparency in decision-making processes at the highest levels of government.
Economic Mismanagement and Corruption
The former DP criticized the government’s handling of the economy, particularly the new health insurance program under SHA, which is set to cost Ksh 104 billion. Gachagua argued that upgrading the existing NHIF system would have been significantly cheaper, costing only Ksh 700 million to Ksh 800 million.
“Ksh 104 billion is not Ksh 104—it’s serious money,” he emphasized, urging Kenyans to demand accountability. He further questioned why citizens are not rushing to register for the program if it is as beneficial as the government claims.
Gachagua also took aim at the administration’s perceived tolerance for corruption. “I cannot defend corruption… If the deputy he has picked can defend theft and corruption, let him go ahead,” he said, taking a swipe at President William Ruto’s leadership.
State of the Economy
In response to President Ruto’s recent State of the Nation address, Gachagua dismissed official statistics as detached from the realities facing ordinary Kenyans. “For you to know whether the economy is successful, you don’t need figures, just ask wananchi… Kenyans are crying,” he said, painting a grim picture of economic hardship.
Call for Accountability
Gachagua urged Kenyans to speak out against what he described as systemic mismanagement and corruption, warning that silence would only worsen the situation.
The former deputy president’s remarks have sparked a wave of reactions, with analysts interpreting his statements as a direct challenge to the government’s policies and governance style. As the debate continues, Gachagua’s allegations are likely to remain a hot topic in Kenya’s political discourse.
