Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has sharply criticised President William Ruto over what he described as a lavish lifestyle at a time when many Kenyans are struggling with the rising cost of living.
Speaking during a press address on Tuesday, Gachagua accused the President of being disconnected from the difficulties facing ordinary citizens, especially following the recent increase in fuel prices that sparked protests in different parts of the country.
The former Deputy President claimed that President Ruto travelled abroad in a luxurious private jet while Kenyans were dealing with the effects of high fuel costs and rising transport expenses.
According to Gachagua, the President’s travel arrangements showed a lack of concern for citizens facing economic pressure.
He further alleged that the aircraft used by the President was highly luxurious and costly to operate, claiming it reflected extravagance at a time when many households are struggling to meet daily expenses.
Gachagua also questioned the government’s handling of the fuel crisis, accusing the administration of failing to respond effectively to public concerns.
He criticised the decision to have Head of Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy Coordination Dennis Itumbi chair a meeting involving senior government officials and transport stakeholders.
According to Gachagua, transport sector representatives were surprised that such an important meeting included Cabinet Secretaries from Treasury, Transport, Energy and Petroleum but was chaired by Itumbi.
He argued that the move showed the government was treating the crisis casually.
The Democracy for the Citizens Party leader insisted that criticism against President Ruto was not based on tribe but on leadership concerns.
He said many Kenyans feel the President has not fulfilled the promises he made during the election campaign.
Gachagua also cast doubt on the seven-day suspension of the public transport strike, saying the government had failed to fully address the real issues surrounding fuel pricing and what he termed conflict of interest in the sector. He called for transparency in the calculation of fuel landing costs.
The criticism comes after protests broke out on Monday over record-high fuel prices. The government has linked the increase to tensions affecting global oil supply routes in the Gulf region.
The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority had earlier increased the prices of Super Petrol and Diesel before later revising diesel prices downward following talks with transport operators.
Public transport operators have since suspended the strike until May 26 to allow further negotiations with the government.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said both sides agreed to continue high-level discussions aimed at finding a solution to the fuel dispute.
