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He spoke during an interview with Kameme FM at his Karen residence on Monday.
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In another move, Gachagua moved to address concerns raised by small traders including hustlers in Nairobi over heavy government taxation.
Image: PCS
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua started the week with a seismic political move that could open a new chapter in his bid to consolidate the Mt Kenya heartland.
In a surprising turn of events, Gachagua apologised to Mama Ngina Kenyatta, the mother to former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
The DP said he was remorseful and asked for Mama Ngina's forgiveness.
"In 2022, politics had deteriorated to a deplorable state. There was a regrettable lack of respect, with insults being hurled at Mama Ngina, and I'm very sorry for that. We humbly request her forgiveness," Gachagua said.
He spoke during an interview with Kameme FM at his Karen residence on Monday.
In another move, Gachagua moved to address concerns raised by small traders including hustlers in Nairobi over heavy government taxation.
This was his second significant move to salvage Kenya's Kwanza fortunes amid fears of what analysts say are growing jitters over delayed promises and over taxation.
He has directed that a task force be formed to address coffee sector complaints.
Sunday
Gachagua started the week with a Palm Sunday service at the Catholic Church, Muthithi Parish in Kigumo Constituency for the Sunday Holy Mass.
The DP also presided over a fundraiser for their development projects at the church.
On Sunday afternoon, Gachagua visited 85-year-old Mama Grace Wahu, a widow, in Kiharu, Murang’a county who had lost her seven sons to illicit brew.
“A mother of 11, lost her seven sons to the killer illicit liquor; The deep pain of burying her children as a result of this vice is a national shame,’’ Gachagua said.
“Mama Wahu's story is a clear demonstration of the danger we are facing. And this is the sad story almost everywhere, only that people are not giving personal accounts.”
The DP said the widow’s story should prick the conscience of merchants of death, who package poison in the name of cheap alcohol and sell it to our youth.
Monday
On Monday, Gachagua joined the family and friends of Igwamiti MCA Irene Wachuka Mama Yao at the farewell service of her spouse John Ndumia Muturi at Nyahururu Stadium, Laikipia.
On behalf of President William Ruto, my family and the government, we send our deepest sympathies to the family and the Igwamiti community during this difficult time.
Tuesday
On Tuesday, Gachagua joined President William Ruto for a meeting with Parastatal chairpersons and Chief Executive Officers.
The country’s top leadership asked the parastatal heads to cut their approved budgets by 30 per cent.
The DP then joined the family of Priesthood Church Bishop JJ Gitahi at Kaimbaga, Ol Kalou, Nyandarua County to bid farewell to their mother, Mama Dorcas Wangari Muhihu.
He had on Tuesday evening joined Pastor JJ Gitahi, family, and friends at their Membley home in Ruiru, Kiambu, to condole with them.
In Nyandarua, Gachagua paid tribute to Mama Dorcas as a visionary and focused mother, who firmly and with love, brought up her children as per the dictates and doctrines of the Church.
“Beyond her family, she greatly contributed to the growth of the community by instilling hope and giving guidance to those who looked up to her," he said.
Wednesday
On Wednesday, he started the day with an engagement with the leadership of the Ministry of Education and Teachers Service Commission for harmonisation of the implementation of the recommendations of the Presidential Working Party on Education Reform.
“We are determined to implement the reforms as a way of streamlining the Sector for learners to earn quality Education that will transform the Nation; There is success when people, institutions, and agencies work together," the DP said.
The meeting was attended by Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu, Basic Education PS Belio Kipsang, TSC Chairperson Jamleck Muturi and TSC CEO Nancy Macharia.
On the same day, Gachagua opened the Talanta Motorsport Academy at Kenya Academy of Sports at Kasarani Stadium, Nairobi County.
“The Talanta Motorsport Academy, to be housed at the Kenya Academy of Sports, captures the Ruto Administration's sole endeavour to refine talented individuals and make them extra competitive globally," Gachagua said.
Speaking ahead of the 71st Safari Rally Edition, Gachagua said Kenyans look ahead to the best World Rally Championship given that it was being held during the traditional Easter Season.
On the same day, Gachagua hosted the leadership of Samburu county, led by Governor Jonathan Lelelit and MCAs.
“Our discussions were based on delivering development as one of the ways of restoring and sustaining peace in Samburu and the North Rift Region," he said.
Thursday
On Thursday, Gachagua started the day with an early Cabinet Committee meeting at his Official Karen Residence.
He then moved into talks with small-scale traders from Nairobi amid concerns about obstacles preventing a smooth business environment.
The DP termed the meeting a productive engagement saying the government will prioritise resolving the issues through short-term, midterm, and long-term measures.
“The Ruto administration is committed to revitalising all sectors through pragmatic and people-centred sustainable interventions guided by a multiagency approach," he said.
The DP said the government is working to improve the working environment of the hustlers for enhanced contribution to wealth creation.
“This is through adjustments of legal, policy, and administrative measures for maximum benefit; To understand the pertinent issues, there must be candid discussions and engagements," Gachagua said.
The meeting was attended by top government officials and heads of state agencies including KRA Chairman Anthony Mwaura and Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga.
Others were Anti-Counterfeit Agency Chairman Josephat Kabeabea and CEO Mbugua Njoroge, Kenya Bureau of Standards Managing Director Esther Ngari, Chairman of the National Standards Council Anthony Munyiri and Principal Secretaries Alfred K'Ombudo (Trade) and Susan Mangeni (MSMEs).
On the same day, Gachagua hosted athletes at the Official Residence in Karen, Nairobi.
He said Kenya's prowess in athletics has defined the country as the source of world-beaters, especially in track events besides being the pride of the Nation internationally.
“Sport is also a source of livelihood for our youth; We will continue engaging upcoming and seasoned athletes to understand ways of enhancing this sport in posterity," he said.
“Sporting is one of the ways of keeping our youth out of illicit liquor, drugs and substance abuse."