Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has praised Kenyans for their resilience and hope despite economic hardships.

In a post on X, Gachagua shared images of residents gathered around his vehicle, commending their ability to endure challenges while maintaining optimism.

“The people of Kenya are truly resilient. Despite facing challenging economic times and the ongoing destruction of our nation’s resources by those entrusted with their stewardship, Kenyans continue to wear a smile and exhibit unwavering hope,” he wrote.

He added, “Greetings from the people of Muruka in Kandara Constituency, Murang’a County. It is this enduring hope that fuels our journey toward a brighter tomorrow. Together, we will overcome the obstacles, rebuild our economy, and reach the heights we aspire to.”

However, despite Gachagua’s remarks on economic hardships, Treasury CS John Mbadi had earlier stated that the formation of a broad-based government would be a catalyst for economic revitalisation.

Teacher funding debate

Gachagua’s remarks come as the country grapples with economic pressures and rising concerns over fiscal sustainability.

Earlier today, former Roots Party presidential running mate Justina Wamae questioned how President William Ruto’s administration would fund new commitments to teachers.

In her X post, Wamae stated, “Beloved teachers, hii pesa mtolewe wapi? At a time when 48% of ordinary revenue goes to debt repayment. At a time when ordinary revenue has decreased from 18% in 2023 to 14% in 2024. Kenyans we are experiencing a shrinking fiscal space hence creating wealth for nation Kenya is the ONLY agenda bigger than wantam and tutam shenanigans.”

Her sentiments followed Ruto’s announcement on September 13, 2025, during a State House meeting, where he pledged 20 per cent of units under the Affordable Housing Programme for teachers.

It is worth noting that, during the meeting, the KNUT secretary general, Collins Oyuu, endorsed Ruto’s re-election.

The pledge was formalised through a memorandum of understanding with teachers’ unions. The President also committed to processing retirement benefits within 10 days, doubling the promotion budget to Ksh2 billion for 50,000 teachers annually, and revising Career Progression Guidelines.

Political reactions

Ruto’s promises drew mixed reactions across the political divide. Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris described the measures as a “bold step toward inclusive homeownership,” while Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba questioned the celebrations, citing ongoing deductions such as the housing levy.

On his part, Gachagua, speaking in Nyeri the same day, vowed to scrap the levy if elected in 2027.

“I will restore the dignity of the payslip on the first day by scrapping the housing levy and handing over all those houses to the county governments to manage them and collect rent and pay rent to all those whose money was deducted,” he said.