Kimilili Member of Parliament Didmus Barasa has openly criticized Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s philosophy, terming it as regressive and tribal.
Barasa expressed his dissatisfaction with Gachagua’s stance on government appointments, accusing him of being displeased with the inclusion of individuals from regions that did not vote for the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Barasa on Gachagua
The MP’s remarks draw parallels to a controversial statement made by Gachagua in 2023, where the Deputy President asserted that government appointments would be reserved for those who supported the Kenya Kwanza government.
At the time, Gachagua stated that the government would reward its staunch supporters, with minimal consideration given to opposition members.
Barasa has now called out this philosophy, labeling it harmful to national unity.
“According to the Deputy President, the only sin that the Kenya Kwanza government has committed, which has made him dissatisfied, is the President’s decision to appoint individuals from regions that did not vote for us as ministers and speakers of parliament,” Barasa stated.
He further condemned Gachagua’s approach, calling it regrettable and tribal, insisting that there is no link between the number of votes a region provides and the competence of its people.
“I want to respectfully address the Deputy President and my boss: his philosophy is retrogressive, unfortunate, regrettable, and tribal. I say so because there is no correlation between the number of votes we receive from a particular region and the level of competence and merit within the people from that region,” Barasa added.
Barasa’s statements come amid rising tensions within the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition. Earlier, Gachagua addressed the issue of his possible impeachment during a speech to traders at Marikiti Market in Nairobi on Friday, September 20, 2024.
The Deputy President claimed that those pushing for his impeachment were attempting to intimidate him but emphasized that only the Kenyan people could remove him from office.
He also challenged those pushing for his impeachment to come forward and face the public, rather than plotting in secret.
Gachagua further emphasized that any attack on him was an attack on the citizens who voted for him.
The Deputy President concluded by reaffirming his support for President William Ruto, stating that he had backed the President out of genuine belief in his leadership and called on those behind the impeachment plans to show respect.
