The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has reaffirmed his longstanding relationship with retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, declaring that no individual will ever succeed in driving a wedge between them again.
Gachagua said his bond with the former Head of State had stood the test of time despite past political disagreements, expressing confidence that their personal friendship could not be destroyed by external influence.
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Speaking during the requiem mass of Uhuru’s cousin, Beatrice Wambui Muturi, held at PCEA Nairobi West Church, Gachagua admitted that the two had experienced differences but insisted their longstanding association remained strong.
He questioned whether anyone could successfully come between him and Uhuru, regardless of whether their families chose to work together politically or maintained separate political positions.
“Whether we do politics together as a family, whether the family stays together or not, whether the family loves each other or not, can anyone succeed in coming between me and my brother President Uhuru Kenyatta? The devil is defeated!” Gachagua stated.
The former Deputy President attributed their previous differences to external forces, maintaining that their relationship had been built over several years through personal friendship, political engagements and family connections.
Gachagua recalled his early political association with the Kenyatta family, particularly during Uhuru’s unsuccessful attempt to become president in the 2002 General Election, when he lost to retired President Mwai Kibaki.
According to Gachagua, the political networks and structures they established during the 2002 campaign eventually contributed to Uhuru’s successful presidential bid in 2013.
He also revealed that he had worked as Uhuru’s personal assistant for approximately 20 years, describing their relationship as one that extended beyond politics.
Reflecting on the 2017 presidential election, Gachagua recalled the financial difficulties experienced by the Jubilee campaign team after the Supreme Court nullified the initial election results and ordered a fresh presidential poll.
During the same period, he disclosed that the late Beatrice Wambui had given him Ksh.1.5 million in a nylon bag to support Uhuru’s re-election campaign.
However, Gachagua admitted that he did not deliver the money to the campaign team, revealing that he instead used it to address his personal financial challenges.
He described the late Wambui as an influential figure in his life who mentored him in business and helped him acquire several properties, including his Karen residence, where he says he has lived for 34 years.
How Gachagua and Uhuru Fell Out
Gachagua’s renewed show of affection towards Uhuru comes after years of political disagreements that strained what was once a close relationship between the two influential Mount Kenya politicians.
Before joining elective politics, Gachagua served as Uhuru’s personal assistant for about two decades. He later entered Parliament in 2017 after winning the Mathira parliamentary seat.
Their relationship began deteriorating ahead of the 2022 General Election when Gachagua aligned himself with William Ruto’s presidential campaign, while Uhuru supported Raila Odinga’s Azimio la Umoja coalition.
The political differences became more pronounced after Ruto and Gachagua won the election, with Gachagua assuming the Deputy President’s office as Uhuru exited State House.
Their fallout intensified during Gachagua’s tenure in government, particularly following his public criticism of the Kenyatta family’s business interests and legacy projects.
Tensions reached a peak following the raid at Uhuru’s Northlands property in Ruiru, where livestock were reportedly stolen, parts of the property set ablaze and groups of youths allegedly attempted to subdivide the land.
Gachagua subsequently apologised to the Kenyatta family over the incidents, although Uhuru remained largely reserved about restoring their relationship.
In May 2025, Gachagua publicly expressed regret over his fallout with the former President, admitting that he had misjudged their relationship and accusing President Ruto of creating divisions between them.
He maintained that his relationship with Uhuru had been particularly strong between 2013 and 2017, before political differences emerged.
Mount Kenya Leaders Push for Reconciliation Ahead of 2027
The latest interaction between the two leaders comes amid renewed efforts by Mount Kenya elders and political figures to facilitate reconciliation ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Several initiatives have reportedly been undertaken since 2022 to bring Uhuru and Gachagua together, with the latest efforts involving Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
The reconciliation push is largely driven by concerns that continued divisions among influential Mount Kenya leaders could undermine the region’s political influence and bargaining power ahead of the next General Election.
Gachagua had previously indicated his intention to visit Uhuru at his Ichaweri home to brief him on political consultations he had conducted with residents at his Wamunyoro residence and seek his guidance on the 2027 political landscape.
However, the retired President had remained publicly cautious about the proposed reunion.
Wednesday’s encounter at PCEA Nairobi West Church therefore offered a fresh indication of improving relations between the two former political allies, although it remains unclear whether the renewed warmth will lead to a formal political partnership.
In a lighter moment during the service, Uhuru appeared to respond playfully to Gachagua’s revelation about the Ksh.1.5 million campaign contribution.
The former President joked that he would visit Gachagua at his Wamunyoro residence to recover the money, saying he would make the trip alongside his friend Maina.
The exchange brought humour to the gathering and provided a public glimpse of the warming relationship between the two leaders.
The requiem mass was also attended by Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa and several other opposition figures.
Their presence came against the backdrop of ongoing political consultations among opposition leaders seeking to address internal divisions and explore possible alliances ahead of the 2027 General Election.
