Gachagua: Ruto regime ‘steals’ Sh2.08mn every minute, Sh125mn every hour

NAIROBI, Kenya – Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has criticized President William Ruto's administration for contributing to a growing cost-of-living crisis in Kenya. Gachagua claims that the government "steals" approximately Sh3 billion from Kenyans daily, which equates to Sh125 million per hour and Sh2.08 million per minute.

He argues that the government borrows an average of Sh3.5 billion daily and that Kenya's public debt has more than tripled from Sh8.66 trillion in August 2022 to Sh13.02 trillion, with an average Kenyan carrying a debt burden of about Sh221,898. Gachagua links the administration's economic policies to rising fuel prices, noting that Super Petrol and diesel prices have increased significantly, contributing to higher transport and food costs.

He also points out that increased statutory deductions and taxes have reduced workers' disposable incomes. Gachagua calls for the suspension of the Affordable Housing Levy, a review of income tax bands, and changes to the petroleum pricing and taxation framework. He challenges the government to cut recurrent expenditure and criticizes the National Treasury for delaying equitable-share transfers to counties, which he claims has disrupted county operations and delayed salaries.

Gachagua also questions the impact of the Hustler Fund, arguing that the small amounts received by individual borrowers are insufficient to establish or expand sustainable businesses.