Four times DP Gachagua has blamed Uhuru, Raila’s handshake for country’s woes
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has always been outspoken as he is controversial.
Known as the man who rarely minces his words, the DP, right from the day he was sworn into office, is known to say what he feels and cares less about the interpretation of his words to his audience.
Woo unto those that are on his wrong side as jabs and constant criticism become their portion every time the DP holds a microphone.
On that note, former president Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga are the well-known punching bag of the DP who has consistently blamed the handshake between the two in March 2018 and associated it with the woes facing the country.
Here are some of the times the DP has publicly blamed the two politicians.
On Easter Sunday at a church in Nyeri county
Speaking on Easter Sunday at a church service in PCEA Ngorano Center at Ruguru Ward in Mathira Constituency, the DP admitted the government was broke and could not pay civil servants their salaries on time.
He said, “We are having challenges paying salaries and remitting money to counties because the handshake government ruined this economy. They borrowed money left, right, and center and because we are a responsible government, we have to pay.”
Joint media interview
During a joint interview with the media in March 2023, the DP again blamed the handshake saying it ripped the opposition of the powers to check on the government.
He said, “The handshake killed the opposition. The President has recommended the National Assembly amendment to create an office of the official opposition, funded by the state to provide effective oversight on government.”
During campaign rallies
While defending his boss who had been under criticism over his remarks that the handshake resulted in the high cost of living, DP Gachagua reiterated that many households struggled to put food on their table.
Speaking in campaign rallies, DP Gachagua said, “President Uhuru Kenyatta and his handshake partner (Odinga) should take credit for whatever was done and equally take the blame for what has not been done, including the high food prices and those of basic commodities.”
Failure in President Ruto’s predecessors’ governments
In early 2023, speaking during thanksgiving in Kirinyaga, DP Gachagua called out Mr Odinga saying his brand of politics was well known since 1997.
He then blamed him for the failure of Dr Ruto’s predecessor’s governments saying, “You came destroyed the Moi government in 1997….in 2007 you came with nusu mkate…. in 2013 you tried and failed….. in 2017 you instilled fear in Uhuru and he called you for a handshake and destroyed government.”
Also read: How to stay stylish and warm this cold season with these fashion tips