Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua used the funeral of former Kirinyaga Senator David Karaba on Wednesday, April 1 to sharply criticize current government policies, raising concerns about challenges in the education and health sectors.
Speaking during the burial ceremony attended by Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, Gachagua said several programmes introduced during Kenyatta’s administration had either been dismantled or replaced with systems that were failing to deliver.
He cited delays in capitation funds for schools, saying the situation was affecting learning across the country.
“Rais wetu ulipoondoka mambo ya capitation ambayo ilikuwa inakuja kwa shule wazazi wanakua hawana shida. As we speak today watoto wako nyumbani. Walimu wamefunga shule mapema kwa sababu ya madeni because they have no money for capitation to pay suppliers,” he said.
Gachagua also questioned the replacement of the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) with the Social Health Authority (SHA), claiming the new system was not functioning effectively.
“Rais Uhuru Kenyatta my brother, ile NHIF ulipanga ilikuwa inafanya kazi mzuri ilitolewa yule jamaa akaleta nyama nyingine anaitwa SHA. Sijui kama umesikia Rais Kenyatta huyo SHA anaitwa SHA, SHU, SHI. Inafanya kazi? SHA inafanya kazi?” he posed.
Former Deputy President and DCP Party Leader Rigathi Gachagua.
The DCP Party Leader warned that the health insurance programme could collapse if concerns raised about its management were not addressed.
“Juzi nimesema hii SHA nimepata habari itakollapse within six months. Na nikaomba mahospitali wachukue pesa yao so that ikisambaratika mahospitali yetu isikue na shida,” he said.
Gachagua also challenged Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale to respond to questions about the management of the system, urging leaders not to drag communities into political disputes.
“The Somali community is an honorable community that does business in this country. Don’t drag the community into your challenges,” he said.
At the same time, Gachagua called for unity within the opposition, urging leaders to rally behind a single presidential candidate ahead of future elections.
“These are the issues of the day, tumekubaliana. Kama ni Martha Karua, kama ni Muturi, kama ni Wamalwa, kama ni Matiang’i, kama ni Kalonzo, kama ni Riggy G, tunataka candidate mmoja,” he said.
The funeral also marked a rare public appearance together between Gachagua and Kenyatta, their first since the former deputy president fell out with William Ruto, fueling speculation about a possible political reconciliation.
