‘Hao viongozi wa Azimio wamepotea’- Gachagua slams Sifuna over Hustler Fund remarks

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has called out Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna for asking Kenyans to default on the newly launched Financial Inclusion Fund popularly known as the Hustler Fund.

Sifuna had earlier implored Kenyans to default on the loans and equally urged them to take the loans as grants.

The lawmaker added that the fund was intended to be a grant targeted for low-income earners but met subsequent updates and what Kenyans received was a loan meant to be paid within a period of 14 days.

"Help Ruto keep his own promises. Convert that loan into the grant he promised. He will do you nothing. Happy Sabbath," Sifuna tweeted.

But in a subsequent rejoinder, DP Gachagua who was speaking in Murang'a on Saturday, December 3, 2022, alluded that he was being non-sensical.

"Nimeona huyu Senator was Azimio huko Nairobi akiambia watu wa Azimio ati wakope hiyo pesa na wasilipe ati wakule. Sasa, si hiyo ni ujinga?” the DP posed.

The DP also brushed off the senator's remarks stating that he was spreading retrogressive politics.

“If you find a leader anasimama, na ni kiongozi amechaguliwa, anaambia wananchi ati kopa pesa na usilipe, huyo ni kiongozi kweli? Hao viongozi wa Azimio wamepotea…that is the kind of retrogressive politics ilifanya sisi tukatae hiyo mambo ya Azimio,” he added.

While poking holes into Sifuna's remarks, the DP further attacked a section of Azimio leaders who criticized the project.

“Wale watu wanaongea kwa TV kuongea mambo ya Hustlers Fund, mtoke kwa TV mkuje huku ground mpate ya kwamba Ksh1,000 inaweza inua na kubadilisha maishaya mwananchi wa kawaida. Mtu ambaye ako na biashara ya mtura, Ksh1,000 inampatia stock ya siku tatu na anapata faida," he added.

Further, the former Mathira Member of Parliament (MP) implored Kenyans to shun the Sifuna's remarks and ensure they repay their debts on time for the good of the country.

"Sisi ni wangwana…dawa ya kukopa ni kulipa. Ukope hiyo pesa na ulipe. Ndio ukope kesho yake na wiki ijayo. Na rafiki yako pia akope," he said.

During the launch of the project, President William Ruto said loan defaulters will not be listed on CRB, and will have another chance of reborrowing.

"The defaulter can repay the loan at once or in instalments and begin borrowing again after full repayment," Ruto said.