Ledama: Gachagua’s overconfidence undermines his credibility
By Joel Masibo, August 12, 2025Narok Senator Ledama Olekina has argued that former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua possesses the wealth and platform to engage in informed discourse on Kenyan governance, but he is not utilising the platforms correctly.
Gachagua has become one of the most vocal figures demanding accountability within the Kenya Kwanza government, repeatedly calling for transparency in the management of public resources and urging leaders to uphold the promises made to Kenyans.
However, his increasingly frequent public critiques have sparked debate in the political arena. Speaking on Gachagua’s evolving political tone, Senator Ledama Olekina noted that while the former DP is well informed enough to engage in proper discourse on governance, his style sometimes undermines his message.
“Although Riggy G possesses the wealth and platform to engage in informed discourse on Kenyan governance, his overconfidence and dismissive commentary undermine the credibility such opportunities could afford,” Senator Olekina took to his official X account on Tuesday, August 12, 2025.
Gachagua’s remarks, though often sharp, have resonated with sections of the public dissatisfied with the pace of government service delivery. Yet, critics argue that his confrontational tone risks alienating potential allies within the administration and weakening his ability to influence change from within.
Gachagua attacks Ruto over NHIF
Olekina’s remarks come hours after the former DP sharply differed with President William Ruto over scrapping the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) and introducing the Social Health Authority. On Monday, August 11, 2025, Rigathi Gachagua launched an attack on Ruto’s decision to scrap NHIF, accusing the government of replacing a working system with an expensive but failing alternative.
Speaking to Kenyans in Southern California at Anaheim, USA, Gachagua said that while the NHIF faced challenges, it remained functional and only required minor reforms to serve Kenyans more effectively.
“I am amazed by the health system here in the US, and you people in diaspora, when we form a new administration, you will be of great help to work with us in putting in place a working health system, a replica of NHIF, you people know it. You are the people driving the healthcare system here in the US. Most Kenyans are in the health sector here,” he said.