Speaking during a Sunday church service at AIPCA Kiratina in Komothai, Githunguri Constituency, Kiambu County, Gachagua challenged the President to begin the anti-drug campaign by removing what he described as “two drug barons” allegedly sitting in the Cabinet.
“If you are serious about fighting drug abuse in this country, the first step is very simple. Sack the two drug barons who sit in your Cabinet,” Gachagua told congregants, drawing applause from sections of the crowd.
The former Deputy President accused President Ruto of sabotaging the fight against drug and substance abuse during his tenure as Deputy President, saying it was ironic for the Head of State to now promise a crackdown on drug trafficking while having allegedly undermined previous anti-drug efforts.
According to Gachagua, the government cannot credibly claim to be committed to eradicating narcotics while allegedly appointing individuals linked to the drug trade into senior leadership positions.
“You cannot say you are fighting drugs while empowering people who are associated with the same problem. That is not leadership, and it is not honesty,” he said.
Gachagua argued that drug abuse continues to devastate families and destroy young people’s futures, especially in urban centres and coastal regions.
He accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of failing to address the issue meaningfully, despite repeated public commitments by the President.
He said the fight against drugs required political goodwill, institutional independence, and accountability at the highest levels of government, which he claimed was currently lacking.
Turning to the opposition’s agenda, Gachagua said the United Opposition would prioritise social welfare programmes aimed at improving the lives of ordinary Kenyans.
He listed free education, the revival of the Linda Mama programme introduced under former President Uhuru Kenyatta, and comprehensive agricultural reforms as key pillars of the opposition’s policy platform.
Gachagua accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of turning poverty into a competition, arguing that economic hardship had worsened under the current government.
“The government has normalised suffering. Instead of solving problems, they explain poverty and compete over who is suffering more,” he said.
The former Deputy President also dismissed recent opinion polls indicating declining support for him and rising popularity for the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
He claimed the surveys were sponsored to manufacture a false political narrative and mislead the public about the country’s political mood.
“Those polls are not organic. They are paid for to deceive Kenyans and create the illusion of popularity,” Gachagua said.
He further argued that President Ruto’s political influence had significantly declined, citing confusion surrounding the Junior Secondary School transition and ongoing challenges in the education sector.
“The education system is in confusion. Parents are frustrated, teachers are overwhelmed, and learners are paying the price,” he added.
Gachagua also defended former President Uhuru Kenyatta against criticism from a section of ODM leaders, saying Uhuru had the constitutional right to associate with anyone of his choosing.
He accused President Ruto of using political surrogates to attack his predecessor instead of addressing governance challenges facing the country.
“Uhuru Kenyatta is free to associate with anyone. Using proxies to insult him will not solve the problems Kenyans are facing,” Gachagua said.
The former Deputy President was accompanied by Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu and Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa, who echoed his remarks and criticised the government’s economic and social policies.
After the church service, the leaders proceeded to engage residents in various parts of Githunguri Constituency as part of their ongoing grassroots outreach.
He said the fight against drugs required political goodwill, institutional independence, and accountability at the highest levels of government, which he claimed was currently lacking.
Turning to the opposition’s agenda, Gachagua said the United Opposition would prioritise social welfare programmes aimed at improving the lives of ordinary Kenyans.
He listed free education, the revival of the Linda Mama programme introduced under former President Uhuru Kenyatta, and comprehensive agricultural reforms as key pillars of the opposition’s policy platform.
Gachagua accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of turning poverty into a competition, arguing that economic hardship had worsened under the current government.
“The government has normalised suffering. Instead of solving problems, they explain poverty and compete over who is suffering more,” he said.
The former Deputy President also dismissed recent opinion polls indicating declining support for him and rising popularity for the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
He claimed the surveys were sponsored to manufacture a false political narrative and mislead the public about the country’s political mood.
“Those polls are not organic. They are paid for to deceive Kenyans and create the illusion of popularity,” Gachagua said.
He further argued that President Ruto’s political influence had significantly declined, citing confusion surrounding the Junior Secondary School transition and ongoing challenges in the education sector.
“The education system is in confusion. Parents are frustrated, teachers are overwhelmed, and learners are paying the price,” he added.
Gachagua also defended former President Uhuru Kenyatta against criticism from a section of ODM leaders, saying Uhuru had the constitutional right to associate with anyone of his choosing.
He accused President Ruto of using political surrogates to attack his predecessor instead of addressing governance challenges facing the country.
“Uhuru Kenyatta is free to associate with anyone. Using proxies to insult him will not solve the problems Kenyans are facing,” Gachagua said.
The former Deputy President was accompanied by Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu and Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa, who echoed his remarks and criticised the government’s economic and social policies.
After the church service, the leaders proceeded to engage residents in various parts of Githunguri Constituency as part of their ongoing grassroots outreach.