By Andrew Kariuki
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has launched a sharp attack on President William Ruto, accusing him of living lavishly and remaining disconnected from the struggles facing ordinary Kenyans amid the ongoing fuel crisis.
Speaking during a press briefing on Tuesday, Gachagua claimed the President continues spending millions on luxury travel while millions of Kenyans grapple with rising fuel prices, transport disruptions and the high cost of living.
According to the former Deputy President, Ruto’s recent overseas trip aboard what he described as a highly luxurious private jet reflected a leadership style that is out of touch with wananchi.
“When the country is burning he left on an overseas trip in a private jet. I am told the most luxurious where they are paying KSh5 million per hour,” Gachagua claimed.
He further alleged that the aircraft was fitted with luxury amenities including a bedroom, spa, jacuzzi, steam sauna and massage facilities, accusing the President of enjoying extravagance while Kenyans continue suffering economically.
The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader also criticized the government’s handling of the fuel crisis negotiations involving matatu operators and transport sector stakeholders.
Gachagua particularly questioned why Head of Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy Coordination Dennis Itumbi was allowed to chair a high-level meeting attended by senior Cabinet Secretaries.
“Yesterday it was a circus. When there is such a national crisis William Ruto designates a blogger Dennis Itumbi to chair a meeting of such a serious issue,” Gachagua stated.
He argued that the move demonstrated what he termed as the government’s casual approach toward the concerns being raised by Kenyans over fuel prices and the cost of living.
The former Deputy President also insisted that opposition toward President Ruto was not based on ethnicity but rather dissatisfaction with his leadership and governance.
“Nobody has a problem with William Ruto because he is a Kalenjin. People have a problem with William Ruto because he is incompetent and he is not what he promised the people of Kenya to be,” he said.
Gachagua further cast doubt on the recently announced one-week suspension of the public transport strike, arguing that the real issues surrounding fuel pricing and alleged state capture remain unresolved.
His remarks come amid nationwide anger following recent fuel price hikes announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), which triggered protests and transport disruptions across several parts of the country.
Although diesel prices were later revised downward following negotiations with transport operators, concerns over fuel costs and the rising cost of living continue to dominate national debate.
