Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has launched yet another scathing attack on President William Ruto, describing the Head of State’s State of the Nation address delivered in Parliament as a hollow speech lacking meaningful progress or solutions for Kenyans.
Speaking during by-election campaigns in Mbeere North on Thursday, Gachagua accused President Ruto of presenting “a well-choreographed performance” instead of addressing the real issues affecting the country. According to him, the speech was filled with political theatrics but devoid of any tangible accomplishments by the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Gachagua alleged that the government had presided over growing insecurity, kidnappings, and misuse of public resources—issues he said the President conveniently avoided in his national address. He argued that such challenges undermine the credibility of the administration and paint a worrying picture of governance under President Ruto.
Questioning the government’s expenditure, Gachagua criticized what he termed reckless use of state funds in Mbeere North. He claimed that over Ksh.500 million had been poured into the area for political gains instead of addressing the basic needs of residents.
“If the government truly cared about the people of Mbeere, that money would have gone into water, electricity, and proper roads. Spending millions on political gimmicks while mwananchi suffers shows misplaced priorities,” he said.
Gachagua also dismissed Ruto’s claims in Parliament that his administration had improved the economy and placed money “in people’s pockets.” He argued that Kenyans were worse off, insisting the President had taken away “even the little they had.”
The former Deputy President further accused state operatives of engaging in voter bribery and intimidation ahead of the November 27 by-election. He claimed that some officials were urging voters to support UDA candidate Leonard Muthende and to photograph their ballots in exchange for cash—allegations he warned residents not to fall for.
Gachagua framed the Mbeere North by-election as a crucial moment for the Mt. Kenya region to signal its dissatisfaction with President Ruto. He urged residents to rally behind Newton Kariuki, the Democratic Party (DP) candidate, portraying the poll as a “political reckoning” for the President.
Accompanied by allies including former CS JB Muturi, Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji, Nyandarua Senator John Methu, and Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thangwa, Gachagua continued his fourth day of intensive campaigns, drawing significant crowds in the constituency.
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