The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has expressed support for the recent meeting between President William Ruto and retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, calling it a “good” and appropriate step.
Speaking in Kakamega during an interview with local media, Gachagua emphasized that meetings between political leaders are always positive.
“As far as I am concerned, a meeting between two leaders is good,” Gachagua stated, referring to the December 9, 2024, gathering between the two in Gatundu. Despite his approval of the meeting, Gachagua downplayed its potential impact on the country’s political landscape, noting that Uhuru, as a retired president, has not expressed interest in returning to politics.
“He is a retired President and we have not seen him participate in politics. I have not heard Uhuru saying he is interested in leading this country,” Gachagua added.
Gachagua, who has been working to solidify his political influence in the Mt Kenya region ahead of the 2027 General Elections, downplayed the notion of a political alignment between Ruto and Uhuru. He insisted that leaders are free to meet and noted that he, too, has been engaging with other politicians following his impeachment.
“He is our son,” Gachagua said of Uhuru, acknowledging the retired leader’s role in Mt Kenya and stating, “We respect him for the work he has done for this country and we will continue to respect him for that.”
President Ruto, who has been striving to regain support in Mt Kenya, clarified that his meeting with Uhuru was aimed at finding common ground for future collaboration. Gachagua, in turn, has indicated a desire for reconciliation with Uhuru, expressing regret over his harsh comments during the 2022 election campaign.
In a March 2024 interview, Gachagua also apologized to Mama Ngina Kenyatta, Uhuru’s mother, for the “bad politics” during that period.
Gachagua’s ongoing efforts to heal political rifts in Mt Kenya are seen as part of his broader strategy to secure support ahead of the upcoming elections.
