Gachagua Launches Fresh Attack on Ruto Over Bomet Visit

 

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has criticised President William Ruto’s recent visit to Bomet County, accusing the Kenya Kwanza administration of failing to deliver on development promises made to residents.

In a statement, Gachagua claimed the President’s visit did little to address what he described as growing public dissatisfaction in Bomet, arguing that the national government had no major new projects to launch, commission or inspect in the county.

He further accused the administration of making false promises to residents and questioned the impact of government programmes on ordinary families facing economic hardship.

Gachagua also took issue with Ruto’s emotional reaction to a young girl who was reportedly crying over the difficulties facing her mother.

He questioned why the President would express emotion over hardships that he blamed on the government’s policies and leadership.

County projects dominate Ruto’s Bomet tour

According to Gachagua, the President’s programme in Bomet largely focused on projects being implemented by the county government.

He cited visits to the Bomet County Assembly and the Mother and Child Hospital, arguing that the projects could not be presented as achievements of the national government.

Gachagua said the situation raised questions about the national government’s development footprint in the region.

Economic charters questioned

The former deputy president also criticised economic development charters signed between the national government and counties, including Bomet and Kericho.

He claimed the agreements had not translated into meaningful implementation and suggested that time was running out for the government to fulfil its commitments before the end of its current term.

His remarks come as political debate intensifies over the government’s development record and the cost-of-living pressures facing Kenyans.

Gachagua also alleged that residents received financial handouts to mobilise crowds during the President’s meetings, describing the move as inadequate compared with the development expectations of local communities.

Political battle heats up

The criticism adds to the increasingly heated political exchanges between Ruto and his opponents as the country heads toward another politically significant period.

Gachagua challenged the administration to demonstrate tangible development projects and address economic challenges affecting ordinary Kenyans.

The President’s supporters, however, have continued to defend the government’s development agenda, pointing to ongoing national projects and investments in infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture and other sectors.

The competing claims are likely to fuel further debate over whether government development programmes are reaching communities across the country—and whether promises made during the 2022 election campaign are being fulfilled.