Gachagua casts doubt on Ruto’s pledge to elevate Kenya to First World

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has sharply criticised President William Ruto’s pledge to elevate Kenya to a First World nation.

Gachagua said the country is headed in the opposite direction and lacks the fundamentals needed for such an ambitious transformation.

Speaking during a service at PCEA Kayole in Embakasi Central, Gachagua said the President’s recent declaration that Kenya could attain First World status within 20 to 30 years was unrealistic given the state of key sectors.

He cited the strained education system, struggling healthcare services, and a harsh business environment as signs that the country is drifting further from that goal.

He reminded the congregation that Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi recently said the government may be unable to continue funding free secondary education from January due to budgetary pressures.

Gachagua argued that such warnings point to deeper systemic problems.

“I hear Ruto saying he has a plan to elevate Kenya to a First World country. Within three years,” Gachagua said.

Gachagua added that he was speaking out not out of malice, but out of a sense of duty. He said he and like-minded leaders would push for political change.

“I have no hard feelings or ill intentions against anyone, but I have to do the right thing. Together with other leaders we will liberate this country,” he said.

Ruto has maintained that his administration has a clear long-term plan that will guide Kenya toward developed-nation status.

He recently said the government will soon table in Parliament a comprehensive framework outlining the investments and reforms required to shift Kenya from a Third World to a First World economy.

According to Ruto, Kenya will require Sh1.5 trillion for large-scale infrastructure projects—including roads, railways, and airport expansions—as well as another Sh1.5 trillion for energy development.

He said a similar investment is needed in agriculture to bring at least two million acres of land under productive cultivation and transition Kenya into a net food exporter.

“We have the plans and the vision to change this country from a Third World country to a First World country. It is possible to take this country to that level in our lifetime, in about 20 to 30 years,” Ruto said.