Gachagua hits Julius Malema 'under the belt'

By Peter Ochieng

Deputy President (DP) Geoffrey Rigathi Gachagua on Saturday hit back at South Africa's Julius Malema, over his recent criticism of president William Ruto.

Malema, the self proclaimed Pan-Africanist is the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) movement in South Africa.

While in Makueni county on Friday, he criticised president Ruto of not delivering on the pledges he made to Kenyans, during campaigns ahead of the August 9th, 2022 general polls.

“I don’t know if president William Ruto means it because he said so many things, and I cannot locate him these days because the things he said during elections and the things he is doing now are two different things,” said Malema.

In response to him, Gachagua said it was unfortunate for Malema to come here and speak ill of president Ruto.

The deputy president said he visited South Africa a while ago and came face to face with challenges they face on a daily basis, including a 7-hour power rationing plan in place in the South African nation, but he did not criticise anyone.

“I have seen a man from South Africa. He doesn't even know about Kenya and is talking about it. I want to advise foreigners that when they visit countries, let them respect leaders from the countries they are visiting. Likewise, we have also traveled abroad but have never been insulted anyone,” he said.

He spoke during a church service in Kilifi county.

Gachagua said despite Malema's 'know-it-all' attitude, he had failed to provide tangible solutions to economic challenges bedevilling South Africans.

He wondered why Malema came here in the first place, if Kenya was not a good country as he stated.

"If you are saying that Kenya is bad, then why come here? This guy arrived in Kenya in the morning, and by noon, he had known all the affairs of the county?"