‘I made mistakes’: Gachagua apologises
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has issued a public apology to the people of Kieni Constituency, expressing deep regret over what he described as serious political misjudgments made during the 2022 General Election campaigns. Speaking candidly, Gachagua said he is determined to correct those mistakes ahead of the next general elections, vowing not to repeat decisions that, in his view, have negatively affected young people and the broader electorate.
Gachagua revealed that he invested significant time and resources campaigning for a candidate he now believes is advancing policies that undermine youth empowerment. According to him, the individual’s leadership approach has failed to prioritize skills development and meaningful job creation for young Kenyans. He admitted that his support during the campaigns was misguided and said he now feels personally responsible for the consequences that followed.
In his remarks, Gachagua strongly criticized proposals aimed at sending young people abroad for work without equipping them with essential digital and technical skills. He described such initiatives as “modern-day slavery,” arguing that exporting unskilled labour only deepens inequality and denies the youth opportunities to build sustainable careers at home. He warned that this form of labour migration amounts to a backward brain drain that robs the country of its potential.
The former deputy president directly appealed to residents of Kieni to forgive him, acknowledging that his actions may have contributed to their current frustrations. He pledged to work closely with the people of the constituency to ensure better political choices in the future. Gachagua said he is committed to standing with communities across the country to correct what he views as a costly national mistake.
“I once again apologise to the people of Kieni and seek their forgiveness. I will do whatever it takes to join the people of Kieni and many other constituencies, and above all, Kenya’s presidency, in correcting this mistake in August next year,” he said.
Gachagua further noted that the issue goes beyond one individual, describing it as part of a wider leadership crisis within Kenya’s political system. He argued that the country needs leaders who genuinely understand the struggles of ordinary citizens, especially the youth.
His remarks come amid shifting political alliances as leaders position themselves for the next general election. Gachagua has recently taken on a more active political role and currently leads the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), signaling his intention to remain a key player in Kenya’s evolving political landscape.
‘I made mistakes’: Gachagua apologises
