Gachagua: Since Ruto declared war on Mt Kenya, the economy has been collapsing
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has openly accused President William Ruto of undermining the Mount Kenya region, claiming that this political hostility has directly contributed to Kenya’s worsening economic state.
Speaking to members of the Kikuyu diaspora in Boston, USA, on Sunday, July 20, 2025, Gachagua said that Mt Kenya remains the heartbeat of the nation’s economy and warned that crippling its businesses and entrepreneurs will inevitably cripple the entire country.
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Gachagua argued that the economic slowdown is partly because many people from Mt Kenya have deliberately reduced tax payments and investments as they wait for a more favourable administration.
He painted a picture of a community that has chosen to hold back its resources until there is political stability and economic recovery.
“When you destroy this community, you destroy Kenya. We are the drivers of the Kenyan economy. Since William Ruto declared war on the mountain, the economy is almost collapsing because people have stopped paying taxes and investing as they wait for a new government. The way you are hoarding your money here, even in Kenya, that is what people are doing. We do small businesses and are holding on to the rest, waiting for the economy to change,” Gachagua said.
He further praised the industrious nature of the Mt Kenya people, describing them as highly entrepreneurial and resilient both at home and abroad.
He praised the region as inherently aggressive and resilient in matters of entrepreneurship, noting that it is no surprise that in every Kenyan town, one is bound to find a Mt Kenya person either living or running a business.
“This is the community that is responsible for the growth of the Kenyan economy. And that is why you are successful here. Because that is the way we were born. We are very aggressive people, very entrepreneurial and outgoing, and that is why we are in every town in Kenya. That is why you are here,” he added.
Boston meeting
On the same day, Gachagua also shared details of his engagement with members of the Kenyan diaspora in Boston, USA, as part of his ongoing tour of the United States.
In a post on X, Gachagua, who was accompanied by his spouse, Pastor Dorcas, said the meeting provided an opportunity to reflect on the strong bond that unites Kenyans globally and to brief the diaspora community on the state of the nation and plans for sustainable growth.
“The amazing Kenyan culture makes a Kenyan anywhere feel at home. This evening, in the company of my spouse, Pastor Dorcas, we had an amazing time with the Kenyan patriots who live and work here in Boston, USA,” Gachagua noted.
He added that they discussed various matters concerning Kenya’s current progress and the strategies being implemented for long-term development.
Gachagua further praised the potential of the diaspora, describing them as a powerful force that can drive Kenya’s economic transformation.
“Together, we can harness the full potential of our diaspora as a powerful force for sustainable development,” he said.
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Steve Ireri
Steve is a senior writer with over four years of experience in digital journalism. His focus is on the showbiz and human interest stories. Emails: [email protected] , [email protected]
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