Gachagua Slams Ruto Administration Over Economic Woes and Governance Flaws

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has intensified his criticism of President William Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza administration, accusing the government of failing to address the country’s worsening fuel crisis, disruptions in the public transport sector and the rising cost of living that has pushed many households into economic distress.
Speaking during media engagements and public statements this week, Gachagua faulted the government for what he described as a slow and disconnected response to growing public frustration over skyrocketing fuel prices and transport costs. His remarks come amid nationwide protests and a strike by sections of the matatu and transport sector, which paralysed movement in parts of Nairobi, Mombasa and other towns. 

The former deputy president claimed the sharp increase in fuel prices had placed unbearable pressure on ordinary Kenyans, transport operators and businesses. According to recent fuel price reviews, diesel prices rose significantly while petrol also recorded a steep increase, triggering fare hikes across the country and sparking anger among commuters and traders. 

Gachagua accused the government of ignoring early warning signs and failing to cushion citizens from the economic impact of the increases. He argued that the rise in fuel prices would inevitably lead to higher transport fares, increased food prices and a broader rise in the cost of goods and services.
“The pump price was increased last month, and Kenyans kept quiet. Mr William Ruto mistook the silence of Kenyans for complacency,” Gachagua said during remarks reported by local media 

He also criticised the government’s handling of the transport sector unrest, insisting that temporary agreements with matatu operators would not solve the deeper economic frustrations facing the country. Gachagua maintained that many Kenyans had reached what he termed a “breaking point” due to sustained economic hardship. 

The criticism comes as the government moved to calm tensions following two days of demonstrations and transport disruptions. The strike by transport operators was temporarily suspended for one week after negotiations between government officials and transport associations. The state reportedly proposed a reduction in diesel prices in an effort to ease pressure on operators and commuters. 

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki stated that the government had convened emergency meetings involving officials from the Energy, Treasury, Transport and Interior ministries to seek solutions to the crisis. The administration also pointed to global instability and disruptions in Middle East fuel supplies as key factors contributing to the price hikes. 

However, opposition leaders and critics of the government have rejected those explanations, arguing that domestic taxation, fuel levies and alleged profiteering within the energy sector are worsening the burden on citizens. Gachagua further accused the administration of appearing detached from the suffering of ordinary Kenyans, even as transport costs and commodity prices continue to rise.