Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has raised concerns about Kenya’s economic situation, describing it as a deepening crisis marked by mounting public debt, a high cost of living, and challenges in key sectors.
Speaking at a church event in the United States on July 14, 2025, Gachagua questioned official economic data and called on leaders to measure performance through the lived experiences of ordinary citizens.
“If you want to know how the economy is performing in Kenya, forget about figures like 5.6% growth or 3% inflation. Ask the people,” he said.
“What they used to buy for Sh10,000 three years ago now costs Sh30,000.”
The former deputy president said the public debt has reached unsustainable levels, claiming there is little money circulating in the economy.
He also pointed to unpaid pending bills and the rising cost of basic commodities.
“We have a serious economic crisis. The cost of living is beyond the reach of ordinary Kenyans, and many are struggling,” he said.
Gachagua further criticised developments in education and healthcare, drawing comparisons to the era of former President Mwai Kibaki.
“Mwai Kibaki gave us free education, but today many students are out of school,” he said.
“The new system is not delivering.”
On healthcare, he questioned the shift from the National Health Insurance Fund to the Social Health Authority, arguing that the transition was costly.
Gachagua also criticised recent statements on the handling of protests, warning against what he termed a disregard for human rights.
“There have been comments from leaders suggesting excessive force, which is worrying in a democracy,” he said.
Concluding his remarks, Gachagua called for constitutional change and urged Kenyans to seek reform through peaceful and legal means.
“Nobody wants unconstitutional change or to overthrow the government. We want change through the ballot, come August 10, 2027,” he said.
