A moment of levity swept through the halls of the Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya International Scientific Conference in Mombasa as Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua took the stage on Wednesday.
His unexpected admission of struggling to read his speech elicited uproarious laughter from the audience, setting a jovial tone for the event’s opening.
As Gachagua concluded his speech and officially declared the conference open, he lightened the atmosphere further with a candid remark in Swahili, “Asante. Hii Kizungu saa zingine inatuumiza, lakini tung’ang’ana”, drawing applause and cheers from attendees.
In a moment of reflection, Gachagua shared words of encouragement, highlighting the importance of perseverance and resilience in life’s struggles. “Unajua sasa… hii maisha ni kung’ang’ana, kila mtu apambane na hali yake. Wacha sisi tung’ang’ane kuongoza Kenya“, he remarked, inspiring attendees with his words.
Acknowledging the vital role of healthcare professionals in the nation’s development, Gachagua expressed gratitude for their dedication and emphasized the significance of their work.
“The years you took from school to the university are not in vain, they must count for something in supporting humanity and improving the lives of Kenyans,” he affirmed, underscoring the importance of their contributions.
Specifically recognizing pharmacists, Gachagua emphasized their indispensable role in the healthcare sector, stating, “It does not matter how big the hospital is, how experienced the doctor is, how modern the equipment is, how clean it is, without the strong support of a working pharmacy, you don’t have a hospital.”
His words underscored the critical need for a well-functioning pharmacy in ensuring the effective operation of healthcare facilities.
Word to His Critics
Addressing critics, he emphasized, “I don’t know why anybody would have a problem with where we come from.” Gachagua’s remarks, made at the Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya International Conference, challenged accusations of tribalism, asserting, “Everybody has their home.”
Gachagua affirmed his pride in his tribe, insisting that no one should be ashamed of their heritage.
He defended his focus on his roots, stating, “Everybody should be proud of your origin and identity.”
He cautioned against criticizing others for speaking their native language, arguing, “Nobody should ever get embarrassed about your origin, your identity, and your language.”
Defending his use of Kikuyu at rallies, he explained, “Language is an element of identity.”
