Second Lady Dorcas Rigathi Vows to Continue Boy Child Rehabilitation Program Amid Budget Cuts

Second Lady Pastor Dorcas Rigathi has vowed to press on with her boy child rehabilitation program despite President William Ruto's recent decision to eliminate the budget for her office. Addressing congregants at Kiamariga PEFA Church in Mathira, Nyeri County, Pastor Dorcas, wife of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, reaffirmed her commitment to supporting youth affected by drug addiction.

"I initiated this project before assuming the Office of the Second Lady, and I will not stop now," Pastor Dorcas declared passionately. "Our young people need our help more than ever."

Pastor Dorcas appealed to churches, particularly in the Mt Kenya region, to support youth rehabilitation efforts. She proposed that churches offer tasks such as cleaning in exchange for financial support to aid in the youths' recovery and reintegration into society.

"With PEFA's 6,000 churches, if each branch took in just 10 young men, we could remove thousands from the streets," she emphasized.

This announcement comes on the heels of President Ruto's austerity measures aimed at reducing government expenditure. In a recent policy shift, the President declared that the offices of the First and Second Ladies would no longer receive budget allocations starting from the Financial Year 2024/2025, which began on July 1.

"In light of our economic challenges, we must cut down every possible expense," President Ruto explained in a roundtable interview. "These offices will no longer be part of our budget."

Despite the budget cuts, Pastor Dorcas remains steadfast in her mission. "I believe God has blessed us as a church, and we have the power to change lives," she asserted.

Her resolve highlights the crucial role of community and faith-based organizations in addressing social issues, especially as the government faces financial constraints. Pastor Dorcas's unwavering dedication to her cause serves as an inspiring example of grassroots efforts to support and uplift vulnerable youth.