‘I’ll never change my language’ Gachagua defends 'Gov't has shareholders' comments

The country’s second-in-command declared in Kericho that government appointments and contracts are a preserve of those who voted for Kenya Kwanza government.

“This government is a company that has shares. There are owners who have the majority of shares, and those with just a few, while others do not have any. You invested in this government and you must reap. You sowed, tilled, put manure and irrigated, and now it is time to reap,” Gachagua said on February 19.

On Sunday, the DP maintained that it is “the truth” and went ahead to clarify his comments which drew backlash from critics who termed them divisive.

According to Gachagua, the government will not sideline Kenyans who did not vote for the Kenya Kwanza administration in the 2022 General Election.

 “As a government, in terms of development and public resources, all Kenyans must be treated equally and the president does not dish out developments, allocation of funds is done by the National Assembly,” he said.

“The issue of discrimination as far as allocation of resources is non-existent. All Kenyans are taxpayers and the government of President Ruto will serve all Kenyans equally in maters development.”

However, the DP said President William Ruto will not appoint people who did not believe in his presidency to work in his government.

“When it comes to forming government, there is no president anywhere in the world would invite people to his government who do not believe in him and his agenda. That is where the issue of shares came from,” he said.

“The people opposed to President Ruto, saying he is a thief uncapable of running this country… there is no way we can allow those people to his cabinet, to be his principal secretaries, his ambassadors.”

The graduate of political science and literature from the University of Nairobi said he was using figurative language to explain himself.

“It is by the number of shares you have in the current administration that demonstrates your commitment to the success of that government,” he added.

'A natural person'

Gachagua at the same time brushed aside criticism from those who have raised concerns with his language at public functions, saying he welcomes criticism but he will not change how he speaks.

“Kenyans have a right to say what they want (about me), this is a democracy. They have every right to describe my character. I speak from my heart and say what is in my heart. I am a truthful and honest man,” the DP said.

Saying Kenyans “are not used to honesty,” Gachagua noted that he will not succumb to what he described as unfavourable media coverage regarding his conduct.

“I accept and welcome from the media and social media but nobody will ever change me. I a natural. I will never change my language and my character. I will always speak from my heart, unless the people of Kenya tell me to stop,” he said.

“Columnists and social media users are welcome to criticize me but I know who my employers are. I know who matters. I am persuaded I am on the right track and I will not change, I’ll remain a natural person.”