- Rigathi Gachagua criticized President William Ruto for turning the distribution of the STAR Fund into political rallies
- He noted that the program is funded by the World Bank and is being run in other African countries without election shows
- Gachagua warned that Northern Kenya is facing hunger and water scarcity, urging leaders to prioritize the well-being of residents
Former vice president Rigathi Gachagua has criticized President William Ruto, questioning the purpose of his national tours while handing out funds for the STAR project.
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The STAR Fund (National Opportunities for Youth Towards Development) is a program supported by the World Bank that aims to empower vulnerable youth aged 18 to 35 years.
It offers skills training, business grants up to KSh 50,000, work experience, and mandatory savings through the NSSF Haba Haba to increase employment, entrepreneurship, and financial inclusion across Kenya.
Is Ruto making the NYOTA program political?
Gachagua said that Ruto has turned the program into a personal campaign tool before the 2027 general election, despite the project being implemented in other African countries without such political demonstrations.
“The STAR program is funded by the World Bank, and it is held in other countries such as Angola, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, Benin and Togo. However, we have not seen their presidents turning it into by-election campaign meetings across the country,” Gachagua said.
He further disclosed that Ruto is expected in Northern Kenya from Wednesday, February 11, to distribute the funds in Wajir, Mandera, and Garissa.
Why is Ruto visiting Northern Kenya?
Gachagua warned that the residents of the area are facing severe hunger and lack of water, and that the president’s goal should be to alleviate their suffering instead of showing political bravery.
“With Ruto visiting the food-scarce and water-scarce North from tomorrow to hand out NYOTA cash, he should know that life is more important, and people are about to die of hunger and death,” Gachagua said.
Gachagua also accused the local leaders who are cooperating with Ruto of using the events of the NYOTA fund to gather support for the re-election of the president, asking them to prioritize the needs of the residents over political aspirations.
“The essence of the visit to the North is not so much about the NYOTA program, but to clean up the corrupt leaders who have failed the people of Northern Kenya,” Gachagua added.
What did Gachagua tell Ruto before his visit to Northern Kenya?
Gachagua further told Ruto that as he heads to Northern Kenya, the region’s biggest challenge is accountability, accusing corrupt leaders of looting public resources while enjoying having a president.
He claimed that Ruto would arrive in the area in a luxury plane, spreading dust over communities facing hunger and water shortages.
The former vice president urged the president to direct the food and non-food items allegedly distributed in Central Kenya as campaign tools to the residents of Northern Kenya instead.
“He will be with the leaders in military helicopters, blowing dust and wind to hungry people without water and food. I would like him to send food and water to the people of northern Kenya. All beans and rice, blankets, food and non-food items used in Central Kenya to attract voters to campaign, should be sent there,” he said.
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