Gachagua: Pray for Ruto to navigate failing health systems, over-taxation challenges

Impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua says Kenyans feel paralysed under President William Ruto’s administration because of high taxation and failed public systems like healthcare.

Speaking during a church service in Kiambu County on Sunday, the embattled second-in-command urged the faithful to pray for his boss, who has since appointed Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki to the DP position.

“We ask Kenyans to remain peaceful and pray for President William Ruto to navigate the challenges affecting Kenyans. People are feeling helpless because of economic adversities, over-taxation, failing health systems and the President has a big job to do,” Gachagua said.

“We ask prayers for him so God can give him wisdom and the people of Kenya can get some relief.”

Gachagua's statement on Sunday followed the tough words he used on President Ruto last Sunday when he accused the President of betrayal, saying he did not know the Head of State “could be that vicious.”

Speaking after he was discharged from the hospital where he was admitted as Parliament voted to kick him out of office, Gachagua added that he was shocked by how a man he “helped to be President… believed in” could turn against him.

“If anything happens to me or my family President Ruto must be held to account,” he said.

While Ruto has not publicly commented on Gachagua’s woes directly, the President on Sunday called on leaders to unite Kenyans and shun divisive politics.

During a church service at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Moiben, Uasin Gishu County, Ruto said leaders should always remember they are in office to take care of the electorate’s interests.

The High Court has declined the application to have a three-judge bench recuse themselves from hearing and determining the cases filed challenging Kindiki’s swearing-in.

On Friday, the judges said they based their judgment on four grounds; the concept of recusal in line with the Constitution, impartiality as a ground for recusal, whether the applications met the required threshold for bias, and whether the applications were merited.