Former deputy president Gachagua. Photo/Courtesy
Former Deputy President and Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has delivered a forceful New Year message, sharply criticising the government’s performance in 2025 while outlining a vision for national recovery in 2026.
In a social media post, Gachagua reflected on what he described as a challenging year for Kenyans, citing economic instability, rising poverty, and the weakening of the middle class.
“An estimated two million more Kenyans risk being pushed below the poverty line this year,” he said, adding that 55 percent of children experience deprivation in multiple dimensions of wellbeing, particularly in Mandera, Turkana, Samburu, Wajir, and Tana River counties.
The former deputy president singled out the management of national resources and strategic assets, including Kakamega gold, Turkana oil, Safaricom PLC, Bomas of Kenya, and the Masai Mara, as areas where mismanagement and alleged corruption had inflicted long-term harm on the country.
He also raised concerns over fiscal policies and public borrowing, which he said contributed to high living costs for ordinary Kenyans.
Beyond the economy, Gachagua highlighted challenges in public service delivery.
He referenced issues in healthcare at Kenyatta National Hospital, the deterioration of the education system, police brutality, and the misuse of state institutions for political ends.
He said these failures have compounded the hardships faced by vulnerable populations, including women and children.
Despite his critique, Gachagua’s message focused on hope and restoration. He vowed that with sound policies, Kenya could recover key sectors, including the economy, education, security, agriculture, healthcare, social services, and infrastructure.
“We shall bring back better Our Economy, Our Education, Our Security… and an assured healthy future of our nation,” he said.
His remarks come ahead of the 2027 general elections, a period expected to generate intense political debate on governance, fiscal management, and social welfare. Gachagua called on Kenyans to remain resilient and united.