Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua took to the podium to make his inauguration speech after taking oath of office.
In his speech, Gachagua seized the moment to launch a scathing attack on former president Uhuru Kenyatta.
Without mincing his words, the second in command accused Uhuru of plummeting the country’s economy, which the new government will have an uphill task to rebuild.
“The truth of the matter is that we have inherited a dilapidated economy which is almost facing shut down. We have a huge task to liberate this country and bring it back to where Mwai Kibaki left it,” said Gachagua.
“I want to tell the people of Kenya that you are finally free. You don’t have to talk with each other through Whatsapp for fear of being recorded and persecuted by state agencies,” he added.
On the contrary, Gachagua said Ruto’s government will uphold the rule of law devoid of intimidations and threats.
“We have talked to the treasury, and the coffers are empty. We will have to start from scratch,” he stated.
Gachagua further accused Uhuru’s administration of leading intimidations against leaders who were affiliated with Kenya Kwanza.
The deputy president pledged to execute his mandate as the second in command in helping President Ruto fulfil his election pledges to the people of Kenya.
“I want to assure you of my commitment from the bottom of my heart to be available to assist you to manage the affairs of our great nation,” he stated.
He, however, asked Kenyans not to put his performance on a pedestal nor compare Ruto’s first term performance under Uhuru’s government.
According to the pre-election agreement, Gachagua was tasked by Ruto to lead a team in drafting policies that would be used to revive the economy.
“I know I am getting in shoes that are almost impossible to fill. The performance of Ruto in his first term when he was allowed to serve the people of Kenya was on another level,” he explained.
On the other side, Ruto echoed Gachagua’s sentiments by appreciating leaders who had supported him despite facing threats from the government.
