Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has criticized sitting Deputy President Kithure Kindiki over what he termed as reckless spending on empowerment projects, even as the country grapples with a tough economic situation.

Gachagua was reacting to Kindiki’s recent visits across counties, where he has been donating millions of shillings to various groups, including youth and boda boda operators, as part of an ongoing economic empowerment drive.

In a strongly worded statement shared on his social media pages, Gachagua questioned the government’s priorities, claiming schools were suffering from lack of capitation and principals were left in a dilemma.

“There is no money for capitation in our schools, and our principals are being treated to a game of musical chairs by the government,” he said.

“Listening to them, the situation is dire. They are torn between letting auctioneers into schools over unpaid bills or sending students home to collect levies.”

The former DP also painted a grim picture of the healthcare sector, saying hospitals are struggling and government promises remain unfulfilled.

“Our hospitals are a shell of what has been left after failed healthcare systems and fake promises from the government,” he noted.

Gachagua further claimed that civil servants are demoralized, citing salary delays, reduced allowances, and a lack of facilitation. He said contractors and suppliers are being auctioned over non-payment of government debts.

According to Gachagua, the government has diverted tax money through security agencies to allegedly finance early campaigns for 2027.

“The little money available from taxes has been diverted through the security agencies to bribe women and boda boda operators, finance the 2027 campaign, and pay goons to disrupt meetings by those calling for regime change,” he alleged.

He went on to accuse the government of using bribes to influence musicians and creatives to support unpopular policies.

“Musicians and artists are being bribed to sell that which cannot be bought,” he said. “As sad as it is, Kenyans are encouraged to eat the money—but not to surrender their souls.”

Gachagua issued a cryptic warning, saying: “Where I come from, we say we shall never bury the elephant with its tusks. Please continue plucking the tusks before we bury the elephant.”

He urged Kenyans to remain alert and remember how political handouts contributed to economic instability in the past.

“We must remind those hawking money in bags what the famous Ksh500 notes did to our economy in 1992. Kenyans are still paying the price more than 30 years later,” he warned. “Be vigilant, dear Kenyans.”

Meanwhile, Deputy President Kindiki today met with musicians and producers at his official residence in Karen. He emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting the creative industry.

“The creative industry is a multibillion-shilling sector. Constant engagement with performing artists and stakeholders is necessary to explore ways to support them through policy reforms and protection of intellectual property,” said Kindiki.

He later proceeded to an empowerment event for small-scale traders and SACCOs in Kiawara, Kieni West, Nyeri County, where he continued to promote the government’s economic empowerment initiatives.

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