Raila can't advice Ruto, he's just jealous — Gachagua

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua hit back at Azimio leader Raila Odinga telling him President William Ruto administration has no time for his advice.

Gachagua was speaking in Lagdera subcounty, Garissa on Monday,when he led more than 100 dignitaries to launch the ‘drought flash appeal’ programme.

The DP was reacting to Odinga’s statement where he accused Ruto of being a ‘puppet of the West and promoting foreign biotechnology.

On Sunday during a press briefing, Odinga urged Kenyans to oppose planned importation of GMO maize.

He said lifting of the ban was illegal as the required processes for such a decision were not followed and the people’s voice not heard and respected.

Gachagua who did not directly respond to the GMO debate, however, said the government was on the right track in delivering services to the people.

“Raila should stop lecturing us on what to do and what not to, the last time he gave advice to the government led by Uhuru kenyatta the country found itself in Sh2 trillion debt,” Gachagua said.

“Raila is just jealous that in less than 100 days in office, Ruto has already engaged development partners at least two times for high level talks. which have already yielded fruit for our people.

“The government will work with everybody whether from the East, West and if need be from the North and the South provided they are bringing development to Kenyans."

On drought Gachagua said that the government is fastracking the construction of the first 30 dams they had promised under the public private partnership.

Rigathi was reacting to Garissa Governor Nathif Jama’s appeal urging the national and development partners to assist the ASAL build mega dams to harness water for dryland farming and as long term drought intervention measure.

Gachagua said that the government has already instructed Treasury to do away with the web of bureaucracy that often accompanies implementation of PPP projects.

He urged governors from ASAL regions to identify locations where the dams will be built and table and table their recommendations to the ASAL and Regional Developments CS.

The DP further urged the governors to focus ton development of green energy like solar and wind.

He said the government is formulating plans for cash transfer where each family affected by drought will be get Sh2,700 per month.

“Cash transfer is the most effective intervention method of drought at this point in time," he said.

He directed the county coordination teams to streamline their operations and ensure that there is no duplication of beneficiaries.