Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has responded to his critics, asserting that at 59, he will remain committed to the truth and will not become a sycophant or blindly praise others.
He emphasized that he will uphold his principle of "one man-one-vote-one-shilling" and urged others not to criticize them for seeking their fair share.
Gachagua mentioned that President William Ruto has initiated broad consultations to address the country's issues, including the recent Gen-Z protests which led to the withdrawal of the Finance Bill 2024 and the County Allocation and Revenue Bill 2024.
In fulfilling his constitutional duties, Gachagua stated he would not heed advice from those who previously doubted President Ruto's leadership but have now joined their ranks and claim to know how to show respect to the president.
"When he picked me as his running mate he made a speech that defined me as passionate about people issues and truthful. Truth is not something you will not take away from me...at 59 it is too late to start telling me to become a liar, a sycophant and inclined to praise and worship for no good reason,” Mr Gachagua said.
Furthermore, Mr Gachagua had unleashed a bombshell requesting that President Ruto fire National Intelligence Service Director General Noordin Haji for allegedly conducting an inefficient intelligence operation that failed to deal with the protesters.
Insisting that he has always been a truthful man, Mr Gachagua stated that his truth-telling habits have alienated him in Ruto's inner circle, but vowed to continue doing so. He stated that some gave President Ruto 20% of their ballots, but now they want to admonish those who gave him 87% of their votes.
He was speaking on the grounds of Maragua constituency's Kaharati Primary School during an education endowment fundraiser for students from low-income families, for which President Ruto donated Sh1 million.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki sent Sh400,000, and Mr Gachagua offered Sh2 million. The Catholic Church in Murang'a County abruptly canceled his fundraiser, a day after First Lady Rachel Ruto did the same in Nairobi.
https://nation.africa/kenya/news/politics/rigathi-gachagua-i-m-too-old-to-turn-into-a-liar-sycophant-and-praise-and-worship-man-4673934