Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua aka Riggy G stunned attendees at the Social Protection Conference on Tuesday, April 4, following an unusually short speech.
President William Ruto and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, were the chief guests at the event held at the Kenya School of Government in Kabete.
Known for his long and elaborate speeches, Riggy G spoke briefly before welcoming the president to the stage to make his remarks.
“I have nothing to say when Kenya is at peace; business is up. We are at peace. I have nothing to say. Welcome, President, and address us,” said the Deputy President.
Riggy G’s speech was shorter compared to other speakers, such as Council of Governors’ Chairperson Anne Waiguru and Cotu Secretary General Francis Atwoli, who addressed the conference before him.
The sudden change in Riggy G’s speech elicited mixed reactions among Kenyans, some claiming he was asked to stop bashing the opposition.
DP Gachagua: I don’t have much to say today when Kenya is peaceful, businesses are uninterrupted, and Kenyans are busy pic.twitter.com/DINeJdor3G
— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) April 4, 2023
President Ruto recently announced that his side would dialogue with the opposition to seek a bipartisan solution to the issues the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition raised.
The president’s call saw the suspension of the Azimio demonstrations on Sunday night as Azimio La Umoja leader Raila Odinga asked his team to heed the president’s request.
Riggy G is known to rail against the opposition leaders led by Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga.
During the swearing-in, the DP bashed retired President Uhuru Kenyatta for oppressing him and other opposition leaders.
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He also claimed that Uhuru’s administration operated on intimidation, threats, and surveillance of government officers.
“Today, I want to tell the people of Kenya that you are finally free.” Public servants and all people of Kenya, you don’t have to fear talking through WhatsApp for fear of being recorded.
“I want to say on behalf of our President, that you are free to criticise his government without fear of reprisal,” Gachagua added.
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