Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has challenged President William Ruto’s Vision 2060 initiative, urging the government to prioritize urgent economic and security challenges facing Kenyans today.

Speaking in Ol Kalou, Nyandarua County, Gachagua highlighted the difficulties confronting farmers, particularly those growing rice, maize, tea, and dairy products. He called for support to local farmers battling declining incomes, market obstacles, and rising production costs.

  • He urged the government to halt rice imports to protect local producers in Mwea and Ahero, emphasizing farmers’ need for immediate income to support their families.
  • Gachagua raised concerns over maize farmers in Bomet and Olenguruone who have suffered up to 70% crop losses linked to poor-quality fertiliser, demanding clarity on government interventions.
  • He criticized the 0.8% tea levy, warning it could reduce buyers and cut into farmers’ bonuses.
  • In Nyandarua, he cited the closure of the New KCC processing plant in Nyahururu, noting some dairy farmers have gone unpaid for four months amid allegations of deliberate neglect to benefit private interests.

On security, Gachagua questioned government efforts to tackle rising crime, referencing attacks on commuters near the Nairobi Expressway’s SGR section. He pressed for concrete actions rather than long-term visions.

He also called for preparedness against heavy rains and flooding in vulnerable communities and condemned the resurgence of illicit alcohol production in parts of Central Kenya despite prior crackdowns.

The remarks come shortly after President Ruto launched the Vision 2060 development process, intended to succeed Vision 2030 through broad national consultations involving multiple sectors.

Gachagua has urged some groups to boycott these consultations, arguing that the focus should remain on immediate challenges rather than a long-term blueprint.

As the 2027 General Election approaches, Gachagua has intensified opposition to Ruto’s administration and pledged to collaborate with other leaders to field a unified presidential candidate, positioning the Vision 2060 debate as a key political divide.