Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has ignited fresh controversy after stating that high-profile government appointments under his leadership will be reserved for individuals who contribute financially to his Democratic Consciousness Party (DCP).
Speaking during a fundraiser in Baltimore, Maryland, Gachagua told a gathering of Kenyan diaspora supporters that loyalty and financial sacrifice to his political movement would be the key consideration in future appointments.
“In my government, I will give high-profile jobs to people who will contribute money to support my DCP Party,” Gachagua declared.
The remarks have drawn sharp criticism from across the political divide, with many accusing Gachagua of openly promoting cronyism and turning public service into a reward for campaign financiers. Legal experts have also warned that such a system would undermine constitutional values of merit, fairness, and inclusivity.
“This is an admission that jobs will go to the highest bidder, not the most qualified Kenyan,” said political analyst Joseph Karani. “It turns government into a marketplace for loyalty rather than service delivery.”
The comments also appear to reinforce growing concerns about the monetization of Gachagua’s ongoing U.S. fundraising tour, which has already faced backlash over expensive event charges and a tribal tone that has alienated many in the diaspora.
Within his own Mt. Kenya backyard, reactions have been mixed. While some see it as strategic fundraising, others fear it paints Gachagua as elitist and transactional.
As 2027 approaches, Gachagua’s approach raises serious questions about the kind of leadership he seeks to offer—and whether Kenyans are ready to embrace a model where money, not merit, opens the doors to power.
