'We cannot make laws to curb conmen', DP Gachagua says as he urges athletes to be prudent with cash

The deputy president, who participated in the Chepsaita Cross country run held In Eldoret on Saturday, revealed his commitment to a healthy lifestyle, saying he walks for 8-10 km daily.

"I like to exercise when I am in the country and even outside. I do 8-10 km a day to keep me healthy and maintain a good frame of mind," he shared.

Gachagua expressed his enthusiasm about the young athletes on the track, calling them "the future of our nation", emphasizing the connection between sports, youth engagement, and responsible citizenship.

He said sports is among the activities that can help divert young people from negative behaviors, keeping them engaged.

Gachagua said veteran athletes who were wallowing in debt and poverty were in that state because they lacked investment guidance.

"These athletes get a lot of money outside the country, but no one prepared them for investment. These athletes will not be young forever; they will age, and that is a reality they have to make peace with," he remarked.

Under the Kenya Kwanza plan, Gachagua outlined initiatives like the digital superhighway and creative economy, aiming to leverage talent for sustainable livelihoods.

“We want to capitalize on talents as a way to make a living,” he said.

The Deputy President further urged athletes to be mindful of their financial decisions. Responding to concerns about athletes in debt, he stated, "We cannot make laws to curb conmen. That is a personal responsibility to be careful."

Gachagua called on athletes and the Kenyan people to exercise caution, advising against seeking shortcuts in life.

“We want to ask our people to be careful with conmen and people seeking to take advantage of them. We are calling on our athletes and our Kenyan people to be indeed careful and to live an honest, decent living as well as take up investments in honest ways. Do not seek shortcuts in life, “he asserted.