Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has praised President William Ruto for his efforts towards reviving the economy since assuming office.
Gachagua who was speaking on December 7 during the Kenya Medical Training College 92nd graduation ceremony at Kasarani stadium addressed the state of the economy they found one year ago.
In his speech, Gachagua reiterated the words he used during their inauguration stating that they “found empty coffers”.
“During the inauguration of President Wiliam Ruto I spoke here, and many people were uncomfortable with what I said,” he said.
Gachagua Lauds Ruto for Reviving Economy
At the same time, the Deputy President stated that it was important to acknowledge the efforts and progress made by the Kenya Kwanza government by putting the record straight.
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Additionally, while describing Ruto’s dedication to reviving the economy- he called on critics to be truthful to Kenyans on matters relating to the economy.
“And because I am back here it is important that I revisit what I said so that we put the record straight,” noted Gachagua.
“As the president and his government struggle with economic challenges facing the people of Kenya many critics are telling us not to remind them where we found Kenya,” stated Gachagua.
However, the second-in-command welcomed criticism while emphasizing on constructive and genuine criticism.
“We welcome criticism that is constructive and also to be truthful and tell the people of Kenya where the President found the country,” noted Gachagua.
Interior CS Kindiki Lauded by Deputy President
Also among the achievements highlighted in his speech was the progress made by Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof Kithure Kindiki in restoring permanent security in select areas traditionally affected by banditry.
He commended Kindiki for what he called an exemplary job in silencing guns across the North Rift region within a year since assuming the role.
“I want to take this opportunity to commend Kindiki and the National police for the good job they are doing,” said Gachagua.
While addressing the graduands, Gachagua recounted the insecurity challenges faced by the Rift Valley region during the previous regime.
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“sisi tukiingia kwa serikali tulipata matatizo ya usalama pale bonde la ufa,North Rift mlio wa risasi ulikua unalia kila wakati shule zikafungwa,” said Gachagua
“Which loosely translates to,” When we came to power, we found insecurity problem in the North Rift region with bullets sound being heard and schools closed.”
He further added, “As we speak today the guns has been silenced in the north rift region, shule zote zimefunguliwa.”
Deputy President Inauguration Speech
His speech came a day after Treasury Cabinet Secretary Prof Njuguna Ndung’u acknowledged that the government was struggling to remain afloat with its operations.
DP Gachagua made a speech reminiscent of his words shortly after taking oath where he called out the former regime for the state of the economy at the time.
In his inaugural speech as the Deputy President, Gachagua said the outgoing government left a country with a bloated economy which President William Ruto’s administration would struggle to revive.
“The truth of the matter is that we have inherited a dilapidated economy that is almost facing an economic shut down, we have 10 billion public debt, six million Kenyans have no employment we have a demoralized public service,” he said.
