Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has asked leaders to give a listening ear to Kenyans who elected them.
Gachagua said that Kenyans have a say on what the leaders should do because they are the ones who elected them to various leadership offices.
DP urged the leaders to listen to the opinion of every Kenyan regardless of their status.
“Mimi naambia viongozi sikizeni ground na wanasema ati mimi nawatisha lakini nawaambia tu ukweli kwa sababu mimi ni mzee na ni kiongozi. Nawaambia hawa wasiposikiza ground watakosana na wale ambao wamewaandika kazi watawafukuza,” he said.
(I want to tell you leaders to listen to Kenyans on the ground. When I speak the truth some say that I’m threatening them but I’m saying the truth because I’m a seasoned leader. If they don’t listen to the people on the ground, they will fall out with them and get fired)
Gachagua spoke on Sunday at the ACK St Patrick’s Church in Kayole during the church’s consecration service. He emphasized that a good leader listens to their constituents to understand how they wish to be led.
“I want to encourage leaders in the country to please listen to the people,” he urged.
Gachagua stressed that he will continue to be straightforward, even though his honesty has sometimes been criticized by some government leaders. He acknowledged that his forthrightness has been misinterpreted and used against him.
Despite this, Gachagua maintained that honesty is crucial for leaders in the modern era. “Kenyans are now woke; you can no longer cheat the people of Kenya. Kenyans are intelligent and they know everything. The internet has sharpened them more, they understand everything, and the time for cheating them is over,” he said.
The Deputy President expressed his commitment to meeting Kenyans’ expectations of honesty and truthfulness. He encouraged leaders to listen to the people, speak truthfully, and embrace forgiveness when they err.
“Let us continue to accept mistakes and forgive each other. No one is an angel; we are all human beings with weaknesses. If you make a mistake along the way and realize it, ask for forgiveness, correct that mistake, and be a better person. You cannot insist on doing the wrong thing to be seen as a hero. When you find out you have made a mistake, accept it.”
Gachagua reflected on the 2022 general elections, acknowledging that mistakes were made, but they sought forgiveness and moved forward. He said that those who admit their mistakes and ask for forgiveness have lighter hearts.
He urged leaders to practice servant leadership, emphasizing that they should not look down on Kenyans. “These are the people who chose us and we must work for them. We should not threaten, harass, or look down upon them. Let us exercise humility in leadership and listen to Kenyans with empathy.”
