Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has urged President William Ruto to first fulfil promises under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda before promoting the Singapore dream.

Speaking during a church service at AIPCA Kiratina in Githunguri Constituency, Kiambu County, on Sunday, January 4, 2026, Gachagua questioned the President’s focus on international comparisons while domestic promises remain unfulfilled.

“You came and found NHIF working, then you removed it and brought an animal called SHA. Remove that animal and restore NHIF before you tell us about Singapore matters,” Gachagua stated.

Accusations of deception

The former DP accused Ruto of misleading Kenyans, claiming that he had previously deceived them, but insisted that citizens have now seen through his actions.

“It is true you are mistaking us for fools because you cheated us. It is true you deceived us. What you don’t know is that we have woken up, we know you, and we are watching you carefully. Don’t tell us that Singapore nonsense,” Gachagua said.

Gachagua demanded that Ruto first fulfil the foundational promises he made to Kenyans before making new ambitious claims about the country’s transformation.

“First, deal with the bottom, which you promised before coming here to deceive us the way you deceived us,” the former DP stated.

Singapore dream criticism

Gachagua’s statement comes days after Wiper Patriotic Front Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka scoffed at Ruto’s Singapore dream, describing it as an empty façade that will not materialise for Kenya.

In an interview on Sunday, December 21, 2025, Kalonzo said the dream is unrealistic, especially when the economy is dwindling.

“How do you make Kenya Singapore when 6000 companies have migrated to Tanzania, to Uganda and our youth are unemployed?” he posed.

“What Ruto has done is to throw a dead cat syndrome on the table,” he added.