Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has taken a fresh swipe at President William Ruto over his recent remarks regarding his PhD status. Gachagua’s comments come after Ruto’s tour of Garissa County earlier this month, where the President dismissed critics by boasting about his academic credentials.
During an interview on Musyi FM on Wednesday, Gachagua criticized Ruto’s administration, questioning the impact of his PhD on governance. He pointed out failures in key sectors such as healthcare, university education, and the high cost of living, attributing these challenges to poor policies implemented under the Kenya Kwanza administration.
“Tunakukaribisha lakini sisi si wajinga, tulisalitiwa na tuko macho. Hata kama hatuna PhD, ile masomo kidogo tukonayo ni ya maana. Rais amedharau Wakenya sana, lakini ukiangalia PhD yake unashangaa ni ya nini?” Gachagua stated.
He further criticized the government’s approach to public welfare, particularly its handling of the Social Health Authority, which has faced backlash over its implementation. Additionally, Gachagua lamented the declining state of university education, blaming the new funding model for pushing institutions to the brink of collapse.
“Amesimamisha mambo ya afya, university education imezama, gharama ya maisha iko juu. Kama matunda ya PhD ni hii, usituletee mtu akonayo,” he added.
President Ruto, during his Garissa tour on February 6, had lashed out at those opposing his nationwide livestock vaccination campaign. He dismissed his critics as lacking the academic qualifications necessary to challenge his policies.
“Sasa kuna watu wengine wajinga wanatuambia tusichanje ng’ombe yetu tusipate soko la kitaifa. Si hiyo ni ukumbafu? Si tumekuwa tukichanja mifugo yetu tangu zamani?” Ruto remarked.
He went further to question the credibility of those challenging his administration. “Mkiona wale wanalalamika ni watu sijui wamesomea wapi. Si mimi niko na PhD…si mimi naelewa nini inaendelea Kenya? Sasa mimi napata watu wako na elimu kidogo kidogo hapa wanajaribu kunifundisha, mnanifundisha kazi gani?”
Gachagua’s latest remarks reflect his continued defiance against the administration he once served. Since his fallout with Ruto, he has been vocal about what he perceives as the government’s underperformance. His criticism aligns with growing discontent among Kenyans over rising living costs and contentious policy decisions.
As political tensions escalate, Gachagua’s statements indicate a widening rift within the Kenya Kwanza camp. His continued attacks on Ruto’s leadership suggest that the battle for political influence ahead of the next election cycle is already taking shape.
