Coastal leaders have strongly criticized former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for attacking the very government he once praised.
The leaders have accused Gachagua of hypocrisy, branding him a “truthful liar” for discrediting government projects designed to benefit Kenyans.
Speaking at a religious fundraising event for imams in Msambweni Constituency, Kwale County, Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya urged the coastal community to rally behind the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Mvurya assured coastal residents that President William Ruto’s administration has lined up a series of transformative development projects aimed at spurring socio-economic growth, including the Social Health Authority.
The CS urged the coastal community to remain vigilant, warning that some individuals may attempt to divide them along tribal, religious, and political lines for personal gain.
“Let’s not be divided on political and tribal grounds. The government has prioritized development and the coastal region has not been left behind,” he said.
He said that through an inclusive, broad-based government, President Ruto aims to ensure that everyone is involved in national development.
Mvurya criticized opponents for discrediting the Social Health Authority (SHA) program, emphasizing its importance in improving healthcare access.
He urged coastal residents to register for the program, noting that it is designed to enhance their quality of life through better healthcare services.
Taita-Taveta MP John Bwire launched a scathing attack on Gachagua, calling him a blatant liar.
He noted the irony of Gachagua praising the Social Health Authority (SHA) program and other government initiatives while in office, only to discredit them after his exit.
“He claims SHA is bad, yet people in Nyeri, Kiambu and kirinyaga are leading in its registration, how can we be left behind,” he said.
Bwire defended President Ruto’s administration, stating that it is inclusive and has given the coastal region unprecedented attention.
He said that no previous government has prioritized the coastal people like Kenya Kwanza, highlighting the appointment of several coastal leaders such as CS Hassan Joho, Mvurya, Senate Speaker Amason Kingu and the initiation of key development projects in the region.
Bwire urged residents to remain firmly behind President Ruto and not be swayed by divisive rhetoric.
Msambweni MP Feisal Bader also voiced his support for the government, reaffirming his commitment to work with President Ruto.
Bader urged Kenyans to reject divisive politics and remain united.
He cautioned locals against supporting leaders who oppose the government simply because their personal political interests were not met.
Bader reassured President Ruto that he should not be concerned about individuals who call themselves “truthful men” yet, in reality, are “truthful liars.”
“How can we trust people who are now criticizing what they once strongly supported?” he questioned.
He added that such leaders cannot be trusted, as they have hidden agendas aimed at dividing people along tribal and political lines.
Bader urged people to reject baseless propaganda and instead support the government’s agenda.
He said that the SHA program is effective but noted that a few individuals within the government may be attempting to sabotage it.
Deputy Government Spokesperson Mwanaisha Chidzuga also urged residents to register for the SHA program to access quality healthcare services.
She emphasized that the initiative aims to alleviate the healthcare burden for many Kenyans who cannot afford better medical care.
“Let’s enroll in SHA to benefit from maternity and other essential services,” she said.
