Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has called on families to have more children, saying the community risks dying out if birth rates remain low.

Speaking in Jabini, Kinangop, on Saturday, Gachagua linked the plea to social issues affecting young people, particularly the dangers of illegal alcohol.

“Mimi niseme mambo ya pombe haramu nilikuwa nimemaliza hapa Kinangop. Pombe imerudi kuua watoto wetu,” Gachagua told the crowd. He said he had previously addressed the problem in the area, but illegal alcohol has returned, claiming young lives.

Gachagua then shifted to a personal appeal for larger families.

“Jana nilikuwa uthoni Gatundu nikaomba jamii yetu. Ndio tuweze kupanga hii jamii isikwishe, mkubali mtuongeze watoto,” he said. He encouraged people not to fear having children, stressing that children are essential for the survival of the community.

“Mimi naomba watoto, kwa sababu hii jamii itaisha. Watoto wetu hushinda kwa mitaro. So our tribe, if we do not have kids, where will we end? Kids are gifts,” he declared.

“Na mimi nimwambie msiongope kupata watoto.”

Promises linked to children

The former Deputy President linked this plea to his political ambitions. He promised that if elected President in 2027, he would revive key social programmes.

“Mkinipatia kazi nikuwe rais wa kenya, kitu ya kwanza ni kurudisha Linda Mama. Ndio akina mama waende kusaidika bila malipo,” he said, referring to the Linda Mama programme, which provided free maternity services in public hospitals.

Education is another priority in Gachagua’s plan.

“Kazi ya pili ni kurudisha masomo ya bure ile tulipewa na mwai Kibaki. Kazi ya tatu ni free secondary education,” he told the audience.

He said he would restore free primary education introduced under former President Mwai Kibaki and extend free secondary schooling to ensure children from all backgrounds can learn without cost.

Gachagua directly tied his policy pledges to family growth.

“Nikifanya hivyo mtanipatia watoto? Mimi naomba watoto sita kwa kila boma. Mnakubali? Tafadhali mimi naomba watoto sita kwa kila familia. Tusiishe,” he said, urging households to aim for six children to secure the community’s future.