Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has criticised President William Ruto’s leadership and advisors, blaming both for Kenya’s economic and governance troubles.

Speaking on Saturday, August 2, 2025, to Kenyans in Richardson, Dallas, Gachagua acknowledged the contributions of the diaspora to Kenya’s economy,

He acknowledged that people in diaspora have long been sidelined, despite being a significant pillar of Kenya’s economy through foreign remittances.

“This is a great discussion that has been ignored for too long,” Gachagua said.

“Yet the diaspora’s contribution to Kenya’s forex earnings is massive and undeniable. Your voice matters.”

The former deputy president tore into President Ruto’s choice of advisors, suggesting that the president has surrounded himself with underqualified individuals who have led the country into its current state of crisis.

“Do you need any more explanation why we are in a hole?” William Ruto is advised by two men, one who studied up to Standard Three, and another up to Standard Six. That’s why we are here. That’s why education reforms are being mishandled and the economy is on its knees,” Gachagua said.

Crippled governance

Gachagua said that he had rejected attempts by one of Ruto’s close advisors to direct how he should run his office during his tenure as deputy president.

“Imagine someone who only reached class six trying to advise me on my job? That’s unacceptable. I may not have many degrees like Ruto, but I have a degree in political science. That kind of disrespect is part of what has crippled governance,” he added.

He emphasised that this calls for changes, stating that the current trajectory of the country, politically, economically, and morally, is unsustainable.

“We must fix the problem. We must reboot the economic, political, and moral direction of Kenya for the sake of our children and generations to come. Where we are headed is a doomsday scenario,” he warned.

Addressing concerns about ethnic profiling and scapegoating, Gachagua sought to distance the failures of President Ruto from the Kalenjin community, to which Ruto belongs.

“Let nobody blame the Kalenjin community for the failures of William Ruto. They are a dignified people. President Daniel Arap Moi, also a Kalenjin, loved children and valued education. He built schools and left a lasting legacy, despite limited education,” he said.

He recounted a recent tragedy where seven members of the Kipsigis community were killed in Narok over land disputes, accusing the president of failing to respond compassionately or provide leadership.

“Those people died, and Ruto took the land. He didn’t even send condolences. The Kipsigis are mourning just like the rest of Kenya. Our problem is not a community, it is a person,” Gachagua stated.

Gachagua appealed to the diaspora to remain politically engaged and outspoken about the state of the nation.

“You are patriotic Kenyans. You have the right to advise and criticise. Your voice is powerful. Don’t allow anyone to speak down to you simply because you are abroad,” he said.