Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has strongly defended retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, following growing criticism from allies of the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Speaking during a thanksgiving ceremony held at his Wamunyoro home in Nyeri County on Sunday, Gachagua took a swipe at President William Ruto, accusing him of using close allies to undermine and insult Uhuru.
Gachagua’s sharp remarks were a direct response to recent comments made by Ruto’s trusted aide, Farouk Kibet, who had warned Uhuru to stay out of the country’s political affairs.
“You are sending your foot soldiers like Farouk and Ichung’wah to insult our respected leader, the Fourth President — they must stop,” Gachagua stated firmly.
Just a day before, Farouk Kibet had urged Members of Parliament to introduce legislation that would compel former presidents to forfeit their retirement perks if they remain involved in active politics.
He argued that this move would help control the influence of retired leaders on national politics.
However, Gachagua was quick to respond, blasting the Kenya Kwanza team for what he called baseless and unnecessary attacks on Uhuru. He promised to stand firm in defense of the former Head of State.
“If you continue using these young people to insult the former President, next time you come to this region, I will instruct the people to turn against you,” Gachagua warned, raising the political temperature even further.
Sunday’s meeting in Wamunyoro turned into a critical show of strength in the competition for the Mt. Kenya vote, drawing key political figures such as Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Narc Kenya’s Martha Karua, and former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, all seen as forming new alliances with Gachagua.
Several leaders who attended the event voiced similar concerns. Kathiani MP Robert Mbui called on Kenya Kwanza politicians to stop dragging Uhuru Kenyatta’s name into current political disputes, saying it was unnecessary and unhelpful.
Since leaving office, Uhuru has largely kept a low profile and has publicly avoided taking sides in Kenya’s political battles.
Despite his calm public posture, speculation has continued over his quiet influence, and his relationship with President Ruto has remained under the spotlight.
Even though the two leaders were once allies, their recent interactions suggest underlying tension. Uhuru has not shied away from offering subtle criticism of the current administration, which has angered some members of the ruling coalition.
For instance, in January this year, Uhuru stirred debate when he supported the United States’ decision to reduce donor funding, suggesting that countries in the Global South should start finding ways to become self-reliant. This position was seen by many as a quiet jab at the Ruto-led government’s dependency on foreign aid.
The escalating war of words between senior political figures highlights deep divisions within the political establishment and signals a brewing political realignment ahead of future elections, particularly in the battle for control of the influential Mount Kenya region.
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