Rigathi Gachagua: Obstacles put on our path to leadership were insurmountable
Deputy President-elect, Rigathi Gachagua has expressed his joy and excitement ahead of his swearing-in ceremony.
Speaking exclusively to Nayioma Sampao on NTV, Gachagua said, “This is a great day for the democracy of this country and for freedom.”
The incoming deputy president could not hide his optimism for freedom saying he and his family have suffered a lot at the hands of President Kenyatta’s regime.
“The last five years have been hell. With state surveillance, intimidation by Police Officers, Friday arrests, closure of accounts, listening to my phone conversations, and being followed everywhere,” he said.
Gachagua was arrested in July last year, suspected of using proxies to fraudulently secure tenders through 22 companies, with himself as the sole beneficiary. Some of his bank accounts were frozen to allow the police to investigate the source of the Sh12.5 billion that flowed through the accounts.
Gachagua did not mince his words in analysing their path to the presidency.
“The obstacles put on our path to leadership were insurmountable. No human being could have dealt with what was before us. The entire state machinery was weaponised against us. Even you in the media were against us. You were not nice to us. You had taken sides, ” he said.
The former Mathira MP has said he will back up his boss, William Ruto, taking instructions without a question. “I am not a co-president. I am not in competition with him.”
He says he will deal with the routine issues of government.
Gachagua says President-elect Ruto could gazette the appointment of six judges rejected by President Kenyatta.
In a Gazette Notice dated June 3, President Uhuru Kenyatta appointed 34 of the 41 judges forwarded to him by the JSC in 2019. Those left out were Joel Ngugi, George Odunga, Aggrey Muchelule, Weldon Korir, Evans Makori, and Elizabeth Omange.
“We want to deal with impunity from day one,” said Gachagua.
He further said they will expedite the operationalization of the Judiciary Fund as well as put an end to agencies entering with public service workers.
He also reiterated Kenya Kwanza’s goal of easing the cost of living and creating a good environment for business.