- Rigathi Gachagua has openly declared political unity with former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
- He said the two leaders agree on the need for unity within the Mt Kenya region.
- Gachagua defended Uhuru against renewed political attacks, blaming President Ruto.
- The move signals a shift in regional politics as 2027 realignments begin to take shape.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has publicly aligned himself with retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, marking a new chapter in Mt Kenya politics. Speaking during a Sunday church service at AIPCA Kiamworia in Gatundu South, Kiambu County, Gachagua said he and the former president are on the same page when it comes to regional unity.
Addressing congregants, the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader revealed that he remains in regular communication with Uhuru. According to Gachagua, the former Head of State has consistently urged leaders from the region to maintain cohesion and avoid internal divisions.
He also passed greetings from Uhuru to the church, stressing that the retired president deserves respect and a calm retirement after serving the country.
“He played his role and handed over power peacefully,” Gachagua said, drawing applause from the congregation.
Gachagua used the platform to defend Uhuru against fresh criticism coming from leaders linked to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). He claimed the attacks were not genuine but were being driven by President William Ruto through political allies.
“We are seeing leaders from ODM attacking Uhuru, but the real hand behind it is President Ruto,” Gachagua said. “Uhuru finished his work and handed over leadership. I have made it clear that he should not be attacked.”
The remarks signal a cooling of tensions between Jubilee and DCP, two parties that have competed for influence in Mt Kenya since the fallout between Uhuru and Gachagua during the 2022 election period.
Gachagua acknowledged Uhuru’s support for ODM leader Raila Odinga in the last presidential race, saying the former president worked hard to deliver votes from the region despite resistance.
While Gachagua stated that Uhuru aimed to secure over one million votes for Raila, official results from the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission show that Raila received 889,506 votes from the Mt Kenya counties combined.
The former deputy president also accused President Ruto of trying to weaken ODM by promoting internal leadership battles. He claimed the strategy is meant to reduce ODM’s influence outside its traditional base.
“The challenge facing ODM is not Uhuru Kenyatta,” Gachagua said. “It is President Ruto who wants to turn the party into a regional outfit.”
He alleged that Cabinet secretaries Hassan Joho and Wycliffe Oparanya were being encouraged to pursue leadership roles that could divide ODM support at the Coast and in Western Kenya.
Gachagua insisted Uhuru is being unfairly blamed for political schemes he is not directing. His comments come months after Uhuru warned Jubilee leaders against attacking Gachagua as they sought to rebuild the party.
Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa has also echoed calls for unity, saying the region had previously been misled into turning against one of its own.
The latest statements suggest Gachagua is working to bring Mt Kenya leaders together as President Ruto intensifies efforts to retain support in the region.
The President is currently on a three-day visit to Mt Kenya, where he is expected to launch major development projects, including the Karatina Marikiti market and affordable housing programmes.
