I have no time for succession politics, I’m helping President Ruto deliver, DP Gachagua says
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has told leaders in the ruling Kenya Kwanza to stop politics of succession and focus on serving the people. Mr Gachagua said President Ruto and himself are focused on rebuilding the economy and do not have the time or the desire to be dragged into 2032 succession politics.
Speaking in Kopsiro, Mt Elgon, Bungoma County, Mr Gachagua dismissed such debate as premature, and idle talk at a time that leaders should be preoccupied with delivering to the people and improving the economy.
The country he added, was facing difficult times and called for leaders to focus on addressing the economic turmoil and with it, help President Ruto deliver his Administration's Plan as pledged on taking office.
Addressing faithful at an interdenominational Sunday service and fundraiser for 22 churches at Kopsiro, the DP cautioned the leaders dragging him into such a reckless debate, saying his focus was on assisting President Ruto deliver to the nation, as his Principal Assistant.
" As a country, we are facing difficult times. The President and I are very busy working on the revival of the economy, trying to create employment for our people. We have no time to engage in useless debates", said the DP.
It was wrong and in bad taste for leaders, particularly from the Kenya Kwanza formation, to engage in the futile talk over 2032 politics, only one year after the General Election at the expense of Kenyans hungry for development and service.
" We are only a year in office. How can we discuss 2032-nine years from now? Some people have already lost focus. It is awkward. Let us all focus on the economic transformation of this country. Our current discussion should revolve around the economy of the country", he noted.
On the agricultural subsector reforms, which he said were taking place across the country, Mr. Gachagua promised that he would convene a stakeholders’ conference in Western region next, geared towards improving productivity and ensuring the farmer earns more from the produce.
"On matters coffee, we acknowledge Mt. Elgon and the larger Bungoma county as a coffee growing area. My resolve on coffee reforms all over the country is on course and will continue pushing for better rates for all farmers.
I will continue to seek direct markets globally. Next year, I will be in this region for a coffee conference to discuss the challenge you are undergoing" the DP added. ,p> The Deputy President also promised the residents that the Government will introduce Tea farming in Mt. Elgon to complement coffee and Milk and bring a fortune to the region.
"Mt. Elgon's climate is the same as that of the Central region. All the crops that grow in Central Kenya must be able to grow here. After these reforms, I will introduce the tea farming in Mt. Elgon so that we can have a variety of crops here for more production", Mr. Gachagua said.
Speaking on the revival of the construction of stalled roads in the area, DP Gachagua said that Mt. Elgon has been left out in matters development for long and the government is working round the clock to ensure that the region is given affirmative action and all stalled roads are revived and completed on time.
" We acknowledge the region is behind in matters development, courtesy of the previous regime. We however promise a shift and improvement in development of the region", he promised.
The DP was responding to the area Member of Parliament Fred Kapondi who appealed to the Government to upgrade roads within Mt. Elgon Constituency saying the infrastructure was wanting. Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka supported MP Kapondi adding that the constituency has been neglected for a long time and it was time to focus the resources in the area.
"This area has been forgotten. The infrastructure in Mt. Elgon needs to be improved so that our people can feel the presence of the government", governor Lusaka said.