The political battle between President William Ruto’s administration and DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua intensified as both sides traded sharp accusations to secure the upper hand.
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah led pro-government lawmakers in demanding that Gachagua account for his record during his two years as Deputy President before his removal from office. Flanked by broad-based government allies, including Minority Leader Junet Mohamed and South Mugirango MP Silvanus Osoro, Ichung’wah accused Gachagua of double-speak and running a malicious campaign to disparage both the state and foreign corporations.
“He is attempting to take stock of the four years of the Ruto administration, an administration that he served for a record two years of those four years. He sat in Cabinet, in National Security Council meetings, and he defended this government, its policies, and its record. What lasting policy did he leave behind? What was his great idea for Kenya? And I dare ask, what is your great idea for Kenya today, Gachagua?” Ichung’wah posed.
The parliamentary team vigorously defended President Ruto’s record, citing falling unga retail prices as proof of progress in food security. In healthcare, MPs highlighted structural reforms under the Social Health Authority (SHA) alongside the expansion of primary care through Community Health Promoters.
Ichung’wah dismissed Gachagua’s claims regarding coffee farmers, alleging that individuals within Gachagua’s political network actively collaborate with cartels to exploit growers. He noted that coffee farmers currently earn between Sh120 and Sh160 per kilogram.
Championing flagship initiatives like the Social Health Authority and the Affordable Housing Programme, Ichung’wah argued that these projects directly improve the livelihoods of ordinary citizens while accusing Gachagua of offering no viable alternative vision for national development.
He also called out Gachagua’s recent attacks on the National Police Service, warning that playing politics with the security apparatus promotes lawlessness and subverts the rule of law. Furthermore, the majority leader condemned Gachagua for exploiting the passing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga for political leverage.
“Rigathi lacks empathy and remorse. He is dancing on the grave of a patriot and trying to make political capital out of the death of a statesman, Rt Hon Raila Amolo Odinga,’ he said.
Defending the broad-based government’s performance, Ichung’wah pointed to significant structural reforms across key sectors and stated that citizens will deliver their verdict at the ballot box.
“We have said Kenyans will judge this administration at the end of next year, this term next year in August,” he said.
Joining the defense, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development Principal Secretary Susan Mang’eni rejected Gachagua’s criticisms of the Hustler Fund, offering concrete data to counter his doubts about its economic impact.
“It is important to set the record straight, using Nyeri County as an example. To date, in Nyeri County, 420,000 Kenyans have accessed the Hustler Fund, borrowing cumulatively Sh1.88 billion. Actually, this represents more than half of Nyeri County’s population,” she stated.
