DP Gachagua: I do not allocate resources, it's your job as MPs

Embattled Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has refuted allegations that his office allocates resources based on how regions voted in the last general election.

Gachagua has been accused of suggesting that certain regions would be denied resources for not supporting Kenya Kwanza, claims which he has dismissed as false.

Addressing Members of Parliament on Tuesday, Gachagua insisted that the responsibility for development lies with MPs and not his office.

“This morning I had Honourable Members saying that the Deputy President said the people of Ukambani would not get resources because they did not vote for the Kenya Kwanza Government. That is not true. The Deputy President of Kenya does not allocate resources. Resources for the development of Kenya are appropriated by the National Assembly. The Deputy President helps the president to oversee the funds appropriated,” Gachagua said.

The Deputy President clarified that he does not hold the authority to deny any part of the country its rightful share of resources, regardless of voting patterns. He emphasised that resource distribution is a matter for Parliament to handle and that MPs should ensure development in their respective constituencies.

“If your area has no development, please don't impeach the Deputy President, don't accuse him of not giving you resources. You are in this house to make sure that your area, where you come from, is allocated appropriate resources because that is your job,” he said.

In addition to defending himself against resource allocation claims, Gachagua also addressed accusations that he had disrespected Kenyan women.

He firmly denied the allegations, stating, “I want to confirm that I have tremendous respect for Kenyan women and I have never disrespected them. What has happened is that, as politicians, there is always propaganda to undermine somebody. I call upon anybody with evidence that I have ever disrespected that person to come out and provide that evidence.”

Gachagua then appealed to the MPs to consider the evidence presented in his defence, urging them to examine the allegations carefully before making any decisions about his impeachment.

“I want to appeal to this Honourable House to consider the allegations against me by the mover of the motion. Weigh it against the attached evidence, weigh it against my defence and the attachments and the videos that I have played in this House, and exercise your mind, and exercise your discretion. Search your conscience and decide if Rigathi Gachagua is guilty of any of those allegations or is undergoing a political process,” he said.

He further urged the MPs to think about the precedent set during President William Ruto’s tenure as Deputy President, drawing parallels between Ruto’s past persecution and his current situation.

“Many members in this House remember what President Ruto as DP went through, and most of us stood with him. Rigathi Gachagua underwent four years of persecution. Others were persecuted, but we took a firm stand because we believed we were doing the right thing,” he said.

Gachagua's comments come amid growing calls for his removal, with some lawmakers accusing him of promoting divisive politics and disregarding national unity.