Gachagua made the remarks on Sunday during a church service at AIPCA Kiratina in Githunguri Constituency, Kiambu County, where he criticised what he described as the government’s growing focus on international comparisons while key domestic promises remain unmet.
The former DP questioned the practicality of the President’s development narrative, arguing that ordinary Kenyans continue to struggle with high living costs, unemployment and access to healthcare.
“You cannot talk about Singapore when the foundation here at home is shaky,” Gachagua said, drawing applause from congregants.
“You promised to uplift the bottom of the pyramid. That is where the focus should be.”
Gachagua took particular issue with the replacement of the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) with the Social Health Authority (SHA), a flagship reform under the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Gachagua took particular issue with the replacement of the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) with the Social Health Authority (SHA), a flagship reform under the Kenya Kwanza administration.
He claimed the transition had disrupted access to healthcare for many Kenyans.
“You found NHIF working and removed it, replacing it with what people are struggling to understand,” he said.
“You found NHIF working and removed it, replacing it with what people are struggling to understand,” he said.
“Before talking about Singapore, restore what was helping wananchi.”
The health sector has remained one of the most contentious areas of reform since the new system was rolled out, with sections of the public and health workers raising concerns over contributions, service interruptions and system readiness.
The former Deputy President accused the President of failing to honour commitments made during the 2022 election campaign, insisting that voters were promised tangible economic relief rather than long-term visions that, in his view, lack immediate impact.
“We were told the bottom-up model would change lives quickly,” Gachagua said. “Kenyans are still waiting.”
He added that citizens are becoming increasingly vigilant and unwilling to accept what he termed as “political rhetoric” in place of measurable outcomes.
Gachagua’s remarks add to a growing chorus of criticism directed at President Ruto’s economic agenda, particularly his “Singapore dream,” which seeks to position Kenya as a regional manufacturing, financial and logistics hub through infrastructure investment, industrialisation and policy reforms.
Opposition leaders have dismissed the vision as overly ambitious given the country’s current economic challenges, including rising public debt, job losses and company relocations to neighbouring countries.
Last month, Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka questioned the feasibility of the plan, arguing that Kenya cannot aspire to Singapore’s economic model while businesses continue to shut down or move operations elsewhere in the region.
“How do you build a Singapore when companies are leaving and young people are unemployed?” Kalonzo posed during a televised interview, describing the vision as disconnected from economic realities.
The government has, however, defended its development agenda, insisting that reforms currently underway are necessary to stabilise the economy and lay the groundwork for long-term growth.
The health sector has remained one of the most contentious areas of reform since the new system was rolled out, with sections of the public and health workers raising concerns over contributions, service interruptions and system readiness.
The former Deputy President accused the President of failing to honour commitments made during the 2022 election campaign, insisting that voters were promised tangible economic relief rather than long-term visions that, in his view, lack immediate impact.
“We were told the bottom-up model would change lives quickly,” Gachagua said. “Kenyans are still waiting.”
He added that citizens are becoming increasingly vigilant and unwilling to accept what he termed as “political rhetoric” in place of measurable outcomes.
Gachagua’s remarks add to a growing chorus of criticism directed at President Ruto’s economic agenda, particularly his “Singapore dream,” which seeks to position Kenya as a regional manufacturing, financial and logistics hub through infrastructure investment, industrialisation and policy reforms.
Opposition leaders have dismissed the vision as overly ambitious given the country’s current economic challenges, including rising public debt, job losses and company relocations to neighbouring countries.
Last month, Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka questioned the feasibility of the plan, arguing that Kenya cannot aspire to Singapore’s economic model while businesses continue to shut down or move operations elsewhere in the region.
“How do you build a Singapore when companies are leaving and young people are unemployed?” Kalonzo posed during a televised interview, describing the vision as disconnected from economic realities.
The government has, however, defended its development agenda, insisting that reforms currently underway are necessary to stabilise the economy and lay the groundwork for long-term growth.
Officials have argued that short-term pain is unavoidable as structural changes are implemented across key sectors.
President Ruto has repeatedly maintained that his administration is committed to reducing poverty, expanding access to healthcare and creating jobs, while positioning Kenya as a competitive investment destination.
“Public patience is wearing thin, and political figures are positioning themselves as voices of accountability,” said political analyst Martin Oloo.
President Ruto has repeatedly maintained that his administration is committed to reducing poverty, expanding access to healthcare and creating jobs, while positioning Kenya as a competitive investment destination.
“Public patience is wearing thin, and political figures are positioning themselves as voices of accountability,” said political analyst Martin Oloo.
“The Singapore narrative is aspirational, but Kenyans want to see progress in their daily lives.”
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