Stop lashing out at Kenyans; they are your bosses, Gachagua tells government
By Lucy Mumbi |
He further asked leaders to respect the church leadership, maintaining that the voice of the church is the voice of God.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has called on government officials to show tolerance towards differing opinions from citizens, noting that Kenyans have the right to express their concerns about national and economic issues.
Speaking during a service at PCEA Church in Mwiki, Kasarani in Nairobi on Sunday, Gachagua urged leaders to respect the voices of the people who elected them into office.
Keep reading
He said the government didn't have to respond with anger when citizens express dissatisfaction.
“We want to ask our government, please be tolerant of divergent opinions. When Kenyans say things are not well, don’t shout at them. They are the ones who have employed you. What’s the need for anger? Don’t get annoyed when you are told things are not working,” Gachagua said.
He reminded leaders that their positions are owed to the electorate, describing citizens as the bosses of those in office.
“Every leader has their bosses, and the bosses of elected leaders are the people. If your boss tells you things are not okay, don’t get angry at them. Let us listen to what Kenyans are saying because they are the ones who have elected us,” he added.
Gachagua’s remarks followed recent calls by President William Ruto and Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho for Kenyans to demonstrate patriotism and moderation when criticising the government.
Joho, while speaking in Kilifi, highlighted the negative impact of social media commentary on government projects, urging citizens to support national initiatives.
However, Gachagua countered this, asserting that leaders should be more receptive to feedback from the public rather than silencing dissent.
He further asked leaders to respect the church leadership, maintaining that the voice of the church is the voice of God.
“The voice of the church is the voice of God. If the Church is saying there is a problem, these religious leaders are the ones who spend a lot of time with the ordinary citizens. Before the problems facing citizens get to us as leaders, it is the religious leaders who get them first-hand. If they say the economy is not okay, it is the truth. If they say they don’t want the housing program, that is the truth. Let us stop censuring our religious leaders,” he said.
The former deputy president also called for the urgent reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), noting that the credibility of elections hinges on the electoral body’s readiness.
“An election is as credible as the process. The Kriegler report stated that the electoral commission must be in place three years before the election. We are now remaining with two and a half years. There is no IEBC, and people can read mischief as to why it has not been constituted. We are calling for the constitution of IEBC urgently and as of yesterday. And when Kenyans ask about that, they haven’t done anything wrong,” he said.
Gachagua’s statements come amid ongoing debate over government projects, with President Ruto urging prayers for the nation and expressing confidence in the country’s eventual success despite opposition to some initiatives.
Reader comments
Follow Us and Stay Connected!
We'd love for you to join our community and stay updated with our latest stories and updates. Follow us on our social media channels and be part of the conversation!
Let's stay connected and keep the dialogue going!
Latest News For You
