Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua had a busy week which started with a trip to Rwanda where he represented his boss William Ruto.
Rwanda marked 30 years since the Genocide in an event themed Remember-Unite-Renew on Sunday, April 7.
Gachagua said the People of Kenya congratulated President Paul Kagame and the People of Rwanda for the socio-economic milestones achieved in transforming their country.
“Rwanda is a solid example of Africa Rising, Africa Renaissance,’’ Gachagua said at the BK Arena where the National Remembrance Ceremony was held.
On the evening of Saturday, April 6, Gachagua met the Kenyan Diaspora in Kigali, where he highlighted Kenya’s footprints in trade and investment as a focal point for economic diplomacy.
“As a listening administration, the knowledge and information gained will enrich the ongoing adjustments to foreign engagements for economic prosperity,’’ he said.
“As the number one envoys of our products, the Diaspora Community is a cornerstone to our strategy of conquering export opportunities, which will, in turn, increase our foreign earnings- complementing Diaspora remittances,” the DP added.
On Monday evening, Gachagua was at State House for the Muslim leaders’ Iftar Dinner.
“Islam is a strong faith that offers not only inspiration but also many lessons to others. The commitment of Muslims to their faith is admirable,’’ the DP said.
On Tuesday, he held a meeting with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) top leadership at his Karen residence.
The DP stressed that UDA is founded on consultative and collaborative engagements geared at strengthening the party and solidifying "our resolve to fully implement our Manifesto".
“I held a consultative meeting with top UDA officials on the progress of party activities and programmes,’’ he said.
Present were chairperson Cecily Mbarire, Secretary General Cleophas Malala, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichungw'ah, Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, vice chairperson Hassan Omar, Treasurer Japheth Nyakundi among other senior party officials.
Early that day, Gachagua joined President Ruto and the faithful of the Presbyterian Church of East Africa for the opening of the 24th General Assembly.
They also witnessed the installation of the Moderator of the 24th General Assembly of the PCEA, Rt Rev Mutahi Thegu, at St Andrew's Church, Nairobi.
“We look forward to closer working relations with the leadership of the PCEA, especially in the fight against illicit liquor, drugs and substance abuse across the country," he said.
“Most importantly, we count on you, the Church, in complementing our rehabilitation efforts and sustained illicit liquor and drugs-free society.”
On Thursday, Gachagua met small-scale traders from Nairobi at his Harambee Annex office.
He said the meeting was a follow-up to assess progress of implementation of the short-term measures agreed and firm up on medium-term and long-term interventions.
“The importance of the millions of small-scale traders to the growth of the economy is unquestionable; we will not rest until we streamline the sector,’’ the DP said.
The initial engagement was done on March 28, 2024.
On Friday Gachagua joined President Ruto during the launch of the Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation and Compensation Scheme in Rumuruti Stadium, Laikipia County.
Gachagua vowed firm action against security officers he said are abetting the sale of illicit brews in Rumuruti.
The DP termed the move by some security officers to ignore President Ruto's order on illicit alcohol as unfortunate.
“Most of our officers are doing a good job, the regional team has done a good job but a few officers are letting us down," Gachagua said.
“We will hold closed door meeting with them so that we sort out that problem once and for all."