Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has emphasised the government's commitment to uplifting the country's capital, Nairobi.
Speaking on Saturday, the country's second-in-command noted that as one of the biggest stakeholders in the country's capital, he was not going to watch the city become a shadow of its former self and that he is going to ensure that the city restores its shine.
The DP affirmed that together with his boss President William Ruto, he will start taking a keen interest in the welfare, development and leadership of Nairobi. He also reiterated his utmost commitment to ensuring that the city excels in every aspect
"Sisi ni wakaaji wa Nairobi, mimi kama Rigathi Gachagua Deputy President, makaazi yangu yako hapa Nairobi. Nilijenga boma langu mwaka wa 1993 hapa Lang'ata nimekaa hapo miaka yote, biashara zangu zote ziko na majumba yangu ya kukodisha yako hapa Nairobi. Mimi ni stakeholder wa hii Nairobi na ndio tumeanza sasa kutaka kujua what is going on in Nairobi and I'm going to take keen interest of political developments in this city, kwa sababu Nairobi is the capital city of Kenya,
"It is the city of government. It is the business centre of East and Central Africa. Mambo ya Nairobi rais na mimi lazima tuhakikishe inaendelea sawasawa na kwa hivo kuanzia sasa mtaona we are going to take a keen interest in the welfare and developments of this city and its leadership. Nairobi is too important to be left just like that, the president and I will take a keen interest in what is going on so that tupange pange and make sure Nairobi restores the glory of the city in the sun, tuhakikishe ya kwamba watu wa Nairobi wanapata huduma zile ambayo zinatakikana. We are going to do that not because we are voters here but because we are stakeholders here, we have homes here," the DP said.
Gachagua also urged city residents to be responsible for their lives and ensure they are safe during the rainy season. The DP stated that despite government efforts to mitigate the effects of the ongoing rains which have caused floods, every citizen should take responsibility for their safety by ensuring that they are not risking their lives.
"Tunauliza watu wa Nairobi na watu wa Kenya pia wajichunge hata kama serikali inawasaidia, usiende kujitupa ndani ya maji. Nimeona kwa video watu huko kwa lorry imejaa, wanaona gari ingine imepelekwa na maji wanarudi kwa lorry wanaingiza ndani ya maji.
"Lazima kila mtu ajichunge, serikali haiwezi kuja kukuchunga kwako nyumbani, lazima wewe mwenyewe ujue ya kwamba uko na maisha yako ya kuchunga na uko na familia. Don't compete with nature, don't dare nature, itakuumiza," Gachagua said.
The latest comes amid concerns over the flood crisis that has greatly impacted lives, properties and infrastructure in the country's capital.
