In a recent address during a funeral service at Kabare in Kirinyaga County, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua made a fervent appeal to President William Ruto to approach the implementation of government reforms and policies with the same speed that was allegedly used to impeach him. Gachagua emphasized the need for urgency and efficiency in tackling issues that directly affect Kenyans, particularly those affecting the agricultural sector and the youth. His remarks highlighted two critical areas of concern: the Coffee Bill of 2023, which is pending in Parliament, and the ongoing battle against alcoholism and substance abuse in Kenya.
A Call for Swift Reforms in the Coffee Sector
During his speech, Gachagua proudly referenced his work on the Coffee Bill of 2023, currently under parliamentary review. The bill seeks to uplift the livelihoods of coffee farmers across the country, an initiative he was tasked with during his tenure as Deputy President. Gachagua’s appeal to President Ruto was simple but poignant: he urged the President to ensure the bill’s expedited passage, comparing it to the speed with which his impeachment process was allegedly pursued.
The former Deputy President argued that coffee farmers have long been marginalized in a sector that once held immense economic value for Kenya. Historically, coffee was among the nation’s leading exports, but various challenges have caused the industry to decline. These include low prices for coffee beans, mismanagement, and systemic corruption. Gachagua’s bill aims to tackle these issues by introducing reforms that would increase transparency, ensure fair pricing, and improve the support systems available to coffee farmers. He envisions a revitalized coffee sector that can once again become a significant contributor to Kenya’s economy.
In his speech, Gachagua called for immediate action from both Parliament and the President. He recommended that Parliament pass the bill as soon as possible, and that the President sign it into law without delay. He suggested that this process should be expedited to the extent that the bill could be published in the Kenya Gazette overnight and signed by the President in the morning.
“Ile speed walitumia kunitoa, ndo watumie hiyo speed kupitisha bill ya kahawa,” he said, expressing his frustration with the slow pace of reforms that affect Kenyans’ lives directly.
The Push for Accountability and Fulfillment of Promises
Gachagua also addressed the Mt Kenya region, urging the community to support President Ruto but also to hold him accountable for the promises made during the election campaign. According to Gachagua, there is no ill-will toward the President, but the people of Kenya have a right to expect that promises made will be fulfilled.
His call for President Ruto to use the same speed in implementing reforms as was allegedly used in his impeachment suggests a sense of urgency that Gachagua believes should be applied to all areas of governance. For Gachagua, the real measure of leadership is the ability to deliver tangible results that positively impact people’s lives. He voiced confidence that if President Ruto dedicates the same level of commitment to his campaign promises, he will earn the support of Kenyans.
“Kama vile bwana Ndegwa amesema, hatuna shida na rais, tunataka kumpa nafasi,” he said, stressing the importance of giving the President room to work but also holding him accountable for the commitments made to the people.
Urging for a Strong Stand Against Alcoholism
Another prominent issue Gachagua addressed was the rise in alcoholism and substance abuse in Kenya, particularly among young people. During his tenure as Deputy President, Gachagua had prioritized the fight against alcoholism, which he views as a significant threat to the future of Kenya’s youth. The former Deputy President expressed his concern that efforts to curb this social menace may have waned, which he believes could undermine the progress made in combating alcohol abuse.
“Tunauliza wale ambao wako sasa, ile kazi Gachagua alifanya miaka mbili ya kupigana na pombe, kuokoa vijana wetu, wacheni hiyo kazi isimame,” he implored, appealing to current leaders to continue with the efforts he had initiated.
The issue of alcoholism has deep social and economic implications for Kenya, particularly in regions like Mt Kenya, where high levels of alcohol consumption have been reported. Gachagua’s remarks underscored the importance of not only curbing alcohol abuse but also supporting rehabilitation efforts and providing alternative opportunities for the youth. He highlighted that the lives of young Kenyans are at stake, and he warned against letting his previous efforts go to waste.
The Role of Leadership in Addressing National Issues
Gachagua’s speech serves as a reminder of the critical role that leadership plays in addressing national issues. He emphasized that those in leadership positions must act with both urgency and integrity to tackle pressing challenges. His call to the Mt Kenya region to stand united and his appeal for continued vigilance in the fight against alcoholism underscore his belief in the power of community solidarity and decisive action.
For Gachagua, true leadership is about championing the interests of the people, whether that means advocating for farmers’ rights, protecting young people from the dangers of substance abuse, or ensuring that elected officials are held accountable. His message is clear: Kenya’s future depends on leaders who prioritize the welfare of the citizens over political agendas.
The Coffee Bill of 2023: Potential Impact on the Coffee Sector
The Coffee Bill of 2023 represents a significant step toward transforming Kenya’s coffee industry. If passed, the bill could lead to increased profitability for coffee farmers, greater transparency within the industry, and enhanced support for farmers in terms of pricing and market access. The proposed legislation aims to address historical grievances and establish a fairer system that could help revitalize the coffee sector, which has struggled due to issues such as unfair trading practices, high taxation, and lack of access to global markets.
The bill proposes setting up a Coffee Board to regulate and oversee industry operations, ensuring that coffee farmers are fairly compensated. Additionally, it would establish coffee cooperatives, which would enable farmers to pool resources, reduce costs, and improve their bargaining power in the market. If implemented effectively, these measures could not only increase the income of coffee farmers but also restore Kenya’s reputation as a leading coffee producer.
Addressing the Challenge of Alcoholism Among Youth
Gachagua’s call for a renewed fight against alcoholism highlights a pressing social issue that requires urgent attention. The prevalence of alcohol abuse among young Kenyans has led to numerous problems, including increased crime rates, health complications, and reduced productivity. Addressing this issue requires a multi-faceted approach, including stricter regulations on the sale and distribution of alcohol, public awareness campaigns, and investment in rehabilitation centers.
In his speech, Gachagua urged current leaders not to undo the progress made in combating alcoholism, noting that failure to act would be detrimental to the lives of young Kenyans. His message is particularly relevant given that the youth make up a significant portion of Kenya’s population and are crucial to the nation’s future development.
Moving Forward: Holding Leaders Accountable
Gachagua’s appeal to President Ruto to act on his campaign promises serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability in governance. Kenyan citizens, especially those in regions such as Mt Kenya, where support for Ruto was strong, are looking to their leaders to deliver on the promises made during the election campaign. Whether it is implementing agricultural reforms, tackling social issues like alcoholism, or ensuring economic growth, there is a need for accountability and transparency.
Gachagua’s remarks underscore the need for a results-oriented approach to governance. His call for swift action on key issues, such as the Coffee Bill, reflects his belief that government should prioritize reforms that directly benefit citizens.
Conclusion
Rigathi Gachagua’s recent remarks at Kabare serve as a powerful reminder of the expectations that Kenyans have of their leaders. His call for President Ruto to act on his campaign promises with the same speed as his impeachment process is a call for accountability, urgency, and commitment to the welfare of Kenyans. As Kenya moves forward, the leadership must prioritize reforms that address the needs of the people, from reviving the coffee industry to tackling the scourge of alcoholism. Gachagua’s message is clear: only through decisive action and dedicated leadership can Kenya truly progress and achieve a better future for all its citizens.
