Gachagua Defends Uhuru as Kenya Kwanza Leaders Intensify Attacks on Former President
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has strongly defended former President Uhuru Kenyatta after a section of Kenya Kwanza leaders launched fresh criticism against the retired Head of State over his recent political remarks.
The political tension escalated after several leaders allied to President William Ruto accused Uhuru of interfering in national politics and allegedly working to undermine the current administration.
Leaders from regions including Nandi, Uasin Gishu, and Busia claimed that the former president should stay away from active political debates and stop criticizing the government.
Some lawmakers went further and threatened to push for the removal of Uhuru’s retirement benefits under the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act.
The leaders argued that a retired president who continues to openly criticize the government should not continue enjoying privileges funded by taxpayers.
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei said Uhuru receives major benefits from the state, including security, office support, and a retirement package amounting to 80 per cent of the current president’s salary.
According to Cherargei, it was unacceptable for the former president to continue attacking the government while benefiting from state resources.
“He gets 80 per cent of the President’s salary. The government gives him security and offices, yet he continues criticizing the same government. When Parliament resumes, we should move to strip him of those benefits,” the senator stated.
However, Gachagua quickly came to Uhuru’s defense, saying the former president still has every constitutional right to speak on national matters despite retiring from office.
He insisted that retirement from leadership does not mean a person loses their freedom of opinion or political voice.
Speaking during a public address, Gachagua said Uhuru remains an important national leader whose views deserve respect. He criticized attempts to silence the former president, describing the attacks as politically motivated and unnecessary.
“Uhuru Kenyatta is still our leader. Retirement does not mean his thinking or opinions have retired too. He is still a Kenyan citizen with a constitutional right to express himself and support any political direction he believes in,” Gachagua said.
The former deputy president also warned Kenya Kwanza leaders against intimidating Uhuru through threats of withdrawing his benefits. According to him, such actions would amount to political revenge and misuse of power.
Gachagua further claimed that even if Parliament succeeded in removing Uhuru’s retirement package, the decision would not last long if the current political leadership changes after the next General Election.
“Do not threaten the retired president by saying you can remove his retirement benefits. Even if you do that, it would only be temporary. Once we form the next government, those benefits will be restored fully, including all arrears and interest,” he added.
Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu also defended the former president, saying Uhuru deserves the same freedoms guaranteed to every Kenyan under the Constitution. Nyutu stated that no leader should be threatened for expressing political opinions.
“Uhuru Kenyatta deserves freedom like every other Kenyan citizen. We are fully prepared to stand with him and protect those democratic rights,” Nyutu said.
At the same time, Gachagua used the opportunity to reaffirm his political ambitions ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The former deputy president said he remains interested in challenging President Ruto and insisted that he is ready to support any opposition candidate chosen to face the current administration if he is not selected himself.
“Rigathi Gachagua should not be seen as the obstacle in efforts to unite behind one presidential candidate. I also have ambitions and I believe I am capable of leading. But if another person is eventually chosen to challenge President Ruto, I will support
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