Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has dismissed claims that his push for the “One man, one shilling” formula would deny other regions resources. Gachagua expressed disappointment that some individuals were misrepresenting what he described as a fair method to ensure equitable distribution of national resources.
“Why is it that when we talk about sharing resources, it is about tribalism? It is simply being reasonable; it is a good argument,” Gachagua said. He emphasized that the “one man, one shilling” formula is not solely for the Mount Kenya region but for the entire country.
Speaking in Murang’a on Saturday, where he was officiating a fund drive for school-going children in Mary Wa Maua’s constituency, Gachagua urged leaders from regions with larger populations not to oppose the formula, highlighting its benefits for their constituents. He argued that the principle is about equity, ensuring that everyone, including the disadvantaged, receives a fair share of national resources.
“When I speak about fairness in the sharing of national resources, it is about our children. When we talk about one man, one shilling, it is not about taking away from others to give to our people,” he said. “It is not about Mt Kenya alone; it is about the whole country. All we are talking about is fairness.”
Gachagua maintained that the “one man, one shilling” formula addresses inequities, ensuring equal treatment for children across various regions, including Maragua, Wajir, Turkana, Migori, and Laikipia. He gave an example of bursaries, suggesting that every child, regardless of their location, should receive the same amount.
The DP’s stance has recently sparked controversy, with some critics accusing him of using the revenue formula to instigate tribal hatred. Gachagua has faced criticism from leaders within his Mount Kenya region, who have labeled him a tribalist attempting to inflame ethnic tensions. However, he refuted these accusations, insisting his goal is to pursue fairness and equity in resource distribution.
“When we say that, have we abused anybody? We are saying all these are our children and everybody should be treated fairly,” Gachagua said. He added that the allocation of resources, such as boreholes, should consider the population they will serve, using Ruiru, with its 800,000 residents, as an example.
The DP also criticized his detractors for not addressing issues like the high number of prisoners from his region, arguing that people should not be condemned for being numerous, as it is God’s plan. He questioned why there is an issue with equitable sharing but no similar call to address the overrepresentation of his people in prisons like Kamiti.
“People should not be condemned because they are many, that is God’s plan. Even in Kamiti, our people are many, but I have not heard people saying that the majority should be released,” he said. “Why is it that when we say let us share equally, there is a problem? If that is a problem, then let us also go to Kamiti and look at who comes from where and release those who are many.”
