Gachagua pushes his 'key' address to February 9 after nationwide consultations
Gachagua has been holding a series of meetings at his Wamunyoro home, bringing together political leaders, religious figures, and opinion shapers to discuss Kenya’s political future. He has vowed to continue engaging with leaders from different regions to explore solutions to the country’s challenges.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has announced that he will address Kenyans next Sunday, February 9, where he will present an interim report on feedback from his nationwide consultations.
Speaking during a church service at Almighty God Ministries Church in Mathioya, Murang’a County, Gachagua said he had initially planned to release the report by December 31, 2024, but had to postpone due to the overwhelming volume of responses.
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“I had promised that by December 31, 2024, I would report on the consultations I have been having. I ask for forgiveness for being a little bit late. It is because the responses and feedback were overwhelming,” he said.
He noted that while he had initially expected the engagements to be focused on Mt Kenya leaders, he was surprised by the broad participation from across the country.
“At first, I thought that it would only be people from Mt Kenya who would show up. However, many people from across the country came, and I saw it fit not to lock anyone out. On Sunday, February 9, I will find time and give out the report on the feedback,” he said.
Gachagua has been holding a series of meetings at his Wamunyoro home, bringing together political leaders, religious figures, and opinion shapers to discuss Kenya’s political future. He has vowed to continue engaging with leaders from different regions to explore solutions to the country’s challenges.
On Saturday, he met a delegation from Samburu County as part of his consultations and later shared insights from the discussions.
“One of the most impressive things I have experienced during these consultations is that Kenyans know what is going wrong, and they have simple and practical suggestions of what we need to do to fix what’s not working. Essentially, the solutions to our problems are within us,” he posted on X.
He further emphasised the need to ensure inclusivity in decision-making, saying, “We will re-orientate our political discourse. The consultations continue.”
Since his impeachment in October last year, Gachagua has remained politically active, regularly hosting delegations from various counties at his residence.
His Wamunyoro home has become a centre for political discussions as he strategises ahead of the 2027 elections.
The former DP has also intensified his criticism of President William Ruto’s administration over its new tax policies, arguing that they have placed a heavy financial burden on ordinary Kenyans.
In a video recorded from his Wamunyoro home, Gachagua raised concerns about the increased tax deductions affecting workers, citing the Tax Amendment Act and the Tax Procedures Act, which came into effect on December 27, 2024.
One of the key changes introduced by the new law is the doubling of National Social Security Fund (NSSF) contributions for employees earning above Sh36,000. Their monthly deductions will rise from Sh2,160 to Sh4,320.
“We want to rescue the payslip because the payslip iliguzwa na iko shida mingi sana. (We want) to restore the dignity of the payslip so that the people are able to do their things,” Gachagua said in a TikTok live session.
The former DP also highlighted how the new tax laws would impact the digital sector. The digital service tax has been replaced with the significant economic presence tax, which has been increased from 1.5 per cent to 3 per cent of turnover. Additionally, a new 5 per cent withholding tax on digital platforms is expected to reduce earnings for those working in the online space.
Gachagua announced plans to hold discussions with digital content creators and other stakeholders to chart a way forward.
“For our young people, those who are talented and in the online space, we are going to have a conversation with them so that they can tell me what they think we can do and what we can put in place so that their lives may be better,” he said.
He emphasised the need to create an environment where young people could earn a living, express themselves, and have their talents recognised.
“They can earn money, they can be able to communicate, they can be able to be heard, their talents can be acknowledged, and everybody can know who has power to do what… That is what I’m planning, but most important is to engage with the young people,” he added.
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