Gachagua Apologises to Kieni Residents Over 2022 Campaign Choices

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has apologised to residents of Kieni Constituency for decisions he made during the 2022 election campaign, saying he misjudged his political choices and is seeking forgiveness as he plans his next move.

Speaking at a recent public meeting, Gachagua said his support for a political ally in 2022 had been a mistake. He accused the individual of promoting policies that, in his view, weaken youth empowerment. In particular, he criticised programmes that encourage young people to seek work abroad without adequate digital skills, describing them as harmful and exploitative.

Gachagua said he now believes such policies contribute to the loss of skilled labour and fail to prepare young Kenyans for modern economic demands. He told the gathering that he was determined to correct the decisions he made during the campaign period and to change course.

Addressing residents directly, Gachagua asked the people of Kieni to forgive him and said he was committed to repairing his relationship with the constituency. He linked the apology to his wider political ambitions, stating that reconciliation at the local level was necessary as he looks towards the next general election.

He also used the occasion to criticise what he described as deeper weaknesses within the country’s political leadership. According to Gachagua, short-term political interests have often taken precedence over policies that build long-term skills and opportunities, particularly for the youth.

Gachagua, who now leads the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), has become more active as political alignments shift ahead of the upcoming polls.