Gachagua calls Ruto presidency ‘imperial’, labels Hustler Fund a ‘lost cause’

Nairobi, Kenya — Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has harshly criticized President William Ruto’s administration in a detailed four-year review, accusing Ruto of presiding over an "imperial presidency" and describing the government's Hustler Fund as a "lost cause". In his "Ruto at 4" accountability statement, Gachagua alleged that Ruto had violated the election promises made in 2022.

He contrasted Ruto's campaign pledge to avoid an imperial presidency with the current reality of an administration he described as oppressive and economically unjust. Gachagua aimed to compare the administration's promises with its actual delivery, accusing Ruto of undermining democratic progress, weakening institutions, and consolidating power within his hands.

The former deputy president also scrutinized the Hustler Fund, one of the administration's key initiatives meant to provide affordable credit to ordinary Kenyans. However, Gachagua found fault with the fund, stating that its provision of Sh87 billion to 28 million people had not achieved its intended goals, as some beneficiaries received loans as minimal as Sh500, which he argued was insufficient to sustain or grow businesses.

Gachagua argued that the administration had failed to deliver on various promises, including lowering living costs, supporting small businesses, and prioritizing youth involvement in economic transformation. Instead, he claimed that the government had increased financial burdens on households through increased taxes, higher fuel prices, and other statutory deductions.

The comprehensive assessment sets the stage for further criticism from Gachagua on the administration's performance across multiple sectors, ultimately concluding that the Kenya Kwanza plan had proven to be "hollow and deceptive."