Rigathi Gachagua: We are inheriting a dilapidated country

Deputy President-elect William Ruto. [File, Standard]

Deputy President-elect Rigathi Gachagua has assured Kenyans of the Kenya Kwanza's commitment to uplifting the citizens' economic status.

Gachagua, who spoke at President-elect William Ruto's Karen residence on Monday, said they were committed to fulfilling all the election pledges they made in the run-up to August 9 polls.

The deputy president-elect also said that Ruto's victory marks the end of "intimidation of public servants by law enforcement agencies". His remarks were echoed by Ruto.

"Dr William Ruto is up to the task," said Gachagua.

"I want to assure you that we shall give you (Ruto) the necessary support to superintend over this nation. To the public servants, who suffered humiliation under the outgoing administration, let this victory heal our wounds," said Gachagua.

The former Mathira Member of Parliament (MP) said the Kenya Kwanza government will address the debt burden "that have occasioned high taxes and an equally high cost of living".

"We are inheriting a dilapidated country with Sh10 trillion debt. Let all those who were against join us in building the nation," said Gachagua.

Records, however, indicate that Kenya's debt burden stands just under Sh9 trillion, and not Sh10 trillion alleged by the deputy president-elect.

In his message to members of the public service, including chiefs and assistant chiefs, Gachagua said the Ruto-led government won't "indignify" civil servants.

"Civil servants, we are aware that your morale is law and we are aware that you feel demeaned. Our first job is to restore the dignity of the civil service," he said.