Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has launched a scathing attack on the management of public resources, warning that Kenyans are increasingly aware of what he described as widespread looting within government.
Speaking after meeting residents in Kamwangi, Kiambu County, Gachagua claimed that the country had been “looted to suprahistoric high dictates,” accusing unnamed individuals of treating public assets “like fresh water” to be consumed without restraint.
“Kamwangi residents, like all other Kenyans, know this and should not be mistaken to have the knowledge of Kenya at 1960,” he said, in remarks that underscored what he framed as a more politically conscious and informed citizenry.
Gachagua’s comments come amid growing political tensions within the administration of President William Ruto, with divisions emerging over policy direction, control of state resources, and allegations of corruption in major infrastructure and energy deals.
His statements also land in a shifting political landscape following the death of veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga in October last year. Odinga’s passing marked the end of an era in Kenya’s opposition politics, leaving a vacuum that has since triggered realignments across the political divide.
In recent months, leaders allied to Gachagua have accused powerful cartels of infiltrating government systems and influencing key decisions, particularly in sectors such as energy, transport, and public-private partnerships. The government has, however, consistently denied claims of systemic corruption, insisting that safeguards are in place to protect public resources.
Gachagua, who has intensified his grassroots tours, appears to be positioning himself as a voice of discontent among ordinary citizens, particularly in the Mount Kenya region, where political loyalties are increasingly fluid.
The remarks tap into broader public concerns over the rising cost of living, mounting public debt, and the perceived privatization of state assets — issues that continue to dominate national discourse.
He ended his address on a conciliatory note, thanking Kamwangi residents for their support. “Thank you my great friends of Kamwangi. May God keep you and your children safe,” he said.
His comments are expected to further fuel political debate as pressure mounts on the government to demonstrate accountability and transparency in the management of public resources.
