Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has pushed back against what he described as attempts to politicise the Inua Jamii cash transfer programme, insisting that the money belongs to senior citizens and is not a favour from the government or President William Ruto.

Speaking during an interview with a local Television station on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, Gachagua said older Kenyans should not be coerced or intimidated into supporting any political leader in exchange for the continuation of the social protection fund, which is meant for the elderly, persons with severe disabilities, and vulnerable households.

He argued that the programme is fully funded through the national budget and approved by Parliament, stressing that no administration has the authority to use it as a tool for political loyalty.

“Inua Jamii fund is not a gift from William Ruto,” he said.

Gachagua added that the money does not come from the President personally, but from taxpayers, and therefore, beneficiaries should not feel obligated to vote in a particular direction.

“These are funds that have been appropriated in the National Assembly, they are from public funds, and they don’t have to vote for William Ruto or his candidates for them to continue receiving that money,” he said.

The former DP said that, if elected president, he would prioritise strengthening social protection programmes and significantly raise the monthly stipend.

“If I am elected the president, I intend to increase that fund from Ksh 2000 to Ksh 5000 because that Ksh 2000 is not enough,” he stated.

Gachagua criticised what he termed as threats directed at elderly citizens, urging them to stand firm and reject intimidation.

“In fact, other than threatening these elderly people, what I am telling William Ruto myself is to increase that fund from Ksh 2000 to Ksh 5000 to help the old people, and it is their right as the senior people in this country, it is not a favour,” he said.

Gachagua concluded by calling on beneficiaries to resist pressure and remember that the programme is anchored in law.

“People should ignore all the threats from William Ruto,” he said.