Zack Kinuthia lashes at DP's silence on critical national issues

By Robert Mutasi

Former Chief Administrative Secretary of the Ministry of Sports Zachariah Kinuthia has questioned the silence of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over two key national matters touching on the university funding model and the sorry state of agriculture in the country.

In an exclusive interview with K24 on Monday, September 16, 2024, Kinuthia noted that residents in the Mt. Kenya region are not happy with the government over what they consider to be poor handling of key sectors that touch on their livelihoods.

Kinuthia, during the interview, narrated his experiences while going round the Mt. Kenya region, where residents asked him the stand of the Deputy President on issues that affect their lives.

Kinuthia said: "I go through the Mt. Kenya region a lot, and what they are telling us is: where is the DP's voice when it comes to the university funding model and the deteriorating pricing of our crops?"

Besides, the agricultural sector—a backbone of the Kenyan economy—has been badly affected by declining crop prices, badly affecting farmers, especially in regions like Mt. Kenya, which heavily relies on tea, coffee, and other cash crops.

He pointed out that the only statement Kenyans have heard from the Deputy President in recent times has to do with him being "fought," a narrative Kinuthia said would not augur well as the country grappled with much more immediate concerns.

"How can he claim he can see the mountain now, yet the things that Kenyans want done, he can't even comment on?" He added, using the metaphor'seeing the mountain' to criticize what he perceived as inaction by the DP over issues that directly touch on the country.

Teachers, parents, and students at universities have expressed their outrage at the model, claiming that it is an unfair financial burden that is a raw deal for students and their families.

The remarks have sparked further debate, with many now questioning whether indeed the Deputy President is doing enough to tackle the growing discontent among Kenyans.