Gerald Kyalo. (geraldbway).
The Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has taken a firm stance against claims by President William Ruto and his allies that he cannot work with former President Uhuru Kenyatta. Speaking on Wednesday during the burial of former Kirinyaga Senator Daniel Karaba, Gachagua sought to clarify his relationship with Kenyatta, dispelling misconceptions surrounding their perceived fallout in the lead-up to the 2022 elections.
Addressing a gathering that included political leaders, elders, and local residents, Gachagua emphasized that critics fail to understand the depth of his long-standing ties with Kenyatta. “I have been seeing Ruto’s people in State House saying that Uhuru cannot work with Riggy G. How do you know? Let me tell you, you don’t know us. The fact that we voted for you does not mean that you know us. In fact, you think you are part of us, you are not, you don’t know us!” Gachagua stated, drawing laughter and applause from his audience.
The former Deputy President went down memory lane, recounting his history with the retired Head of State and highlighting that their relationship spans decades. “I have been a personal assistant to President Uhuru Kenyatta for many years and have worked closely with him for 20 years. This man Ruto came between us and we fell out for three years. Between three years and 20 years, which is more?” he posed, underlining that their political differences of the past are minor compared to their longstanding friendship.
Gachagua further accused President Ruto of attempting to divide the Mt. Kenya region, cautioning against any efforts to fragment the influential voting bloc. “Ruto is trying to divide Mt. Kenya East and West, and that is why I cannot allow him because if he succeeds, we are finished. You know what happened in 1992, Matiba stood on one side and Kibaki on the other side and Moi passed between them. Our vote can only be useful to us when it is one,” he said, drawing historical parallels to emphasize the importance of regional unity.
Amid rising speculation about a potential split within the United Opposition ahead of the 2027 General Elections, Gachagua reassured the public that political differences in the past will not undermine their ties going forward. He urged the Mt. Kenya region to remain united to mount a strong front capable of challenging Ruto and his team. “Let our detractors know that no one can divide this mountain. Nobody can come between Kenyatta and us. The former President, for the record, is my elder brother, kinsman, and my long-time friend, and those were politics of yesterday. We are in different times,” he emphasized, signaling that his loyalty to the former president remains unshaken despite shifting political landscapes.
He further underscored the strategic importance of unity by drawing comparisons to past electoral transitions, particularly the 2002 elections that saw the defeat of former President Daniel arap Moi’s preferred successor. “The upcoming election will be a 2002 moment. When we lost to Mwai Kibaki and we knew we would lose, we encouraged Uhuru Kenyatta to go to the ballot because of the future, to build his name. History has a way of repeating itself if we fail to learn from it,” Gachagua noted. His remarks highlighted the value of collective decision-making and the dangers of letting internal rivalries weaken regional influence.
In a pointed critique of Ruto, Gachagua also addressed the former Deputy President’s public display of faith during the 2022 campaigns. The DCP leader suggested that the electorate is now more discerning and will not be swayed by religious theatrics. “I do not know what we will do about this matter of the Bible. For us Christians, if someone comes with a Bible and says he is saved, we say Amen. This man came with a big Bible… I blame myself for being lied to and deceived our people, but then I console myself and say if bishops, pastors and reverends were deceived, then who am I, Riggy G of Wamunyoro?” Gachagua said, making a candid reflection on past electoral experiences.
He added, with a touch of humor and humility, “Bishop, forgive us. Nowadays, when someone comes with a Bible, we do not close our eyes because we have suffered for believing in the Bible.” His words resonated with the audience, reflecting a sense of political maturity and caution against blind allegiance.
Gachagua’s speech also touched on the broader theme of political resilience and strategic alliance-building. He stressed that personal loyalty and historical ties play a crucial role in political decision-making, often outweighing short-term disagreements or disputes. By framing his relationship with Kenyatta as a bond forged over decades, the DCP leader reinforced the message that political maneuvering should not overshadow long-term partnerships and regional solidarity.
As Kenya heads towards the 2027 General Elections, the Mt. Kenya region is expected to be a pivotal battleground. Gachagua’s remarks signal an intention to consolidate regional power while sending a clear message to President Ruto and his allies that attempts to fragment the voting bloc will not be tolerated. Analysts suggest that such rhetoric could shape the region’s political dynamics in the coming months, especially as leaders seek to position themselves strategically ahead of the polls.
Rigathi Gachagua’s defense of his ties with Uhuru Kenyatta underscores a broader narrative of loyalty, unity, and political strategy. By recalling decades of collaboration, highlighting the dangers of disunity, and challenging public perceptions shaped by past conflicts, Gachagua is positioning himself and the Mt. Kenya region as a cohesive and formidable political force. His remarks during the burial of Daniel Karaba not only honored a fallen colleague but also served as a strategic clarion call for regional unity, signaling that politics of the past need not dictate the future.
Addressing a gathering that included political leaders, elders, and local residents, Gachagua emphasized that critics fail to understand the depth of his long-standing ties with Kenyatta. “I have been seeing Ruto’s people in State House saying that Uhuru cannot work with Riggy G. How do you know? Let me tell you, you don’t know us. The fact that we voted for you does not mean that you know us. In fact, you think you are part of us, you are not, you don’t know us!” Gachagua stated, drawing laughter and applause from his audience.
The former Deputy President went down memory lane, recounting his history with the retired Head of State and highlighting that their relationship spans decades. “I have been a personal assistant to President Uhuru Kenyatta for many years and have worked closely with him for 20 years. This man Ruto came between us and we fell out for three years. Between three years and 20 years, which is more?” he posed, underlining that their political differences of the past are minor compared to their longstanding friendship.
Gachagua further accused President Ruto of attempting to divide the Mt. Kenya region, cautioning against any efforts to fragment the influential voting bloc. “Ruto is trying to divide Mt. Kenya East and West, and that is why I cannot allow him because if he succeeds, we are finished. You know what happened in 1992, Matiba stood on one side and Kibaki on the other side and Moi passed between them. Our vote can only be useful to us when it is one,” he said, drawing historical parallels to emphasize the importance of regional unity.
Amid rising speculation about a potential split within the United Opposition ahead of the 2027 General Elections, Gachagua reassured the public that political differences in the past will not undermine their ties going forward. He urged the Mt. Kenya region to remain united to mount a strong front capable of challenging Ruto and his team. “Let our detractors know that no one can divide this mountain. Nobody can come between Kenyatta and us. The former President, for the record, is my elder brother, kinsman, and my long-time friend, and those were politics of yesterday. We are in different times,” he emphasized, signaling that his loyalty to the former president remains unshaken despite shifting political landscapes.
He further underscored the strategic importance of unity by drawing comparisons to past electoral transitions, particularly the 2002 elections that saw the defeat of former President Daniel arap Moi’s preferred successor. “The upcoming election will be a 2002 moment. When we lost to Mwai Kibaki and we knew we would lose, we encouraged Uhuru Kenyatta to go to the ballot because of the future, to build his name. History has a way of repeating itself if we fail to learn from it,” Gachagua noted. His remarks highlighted the value of collective decision-making and the dangers of letting internal rivalries weaken regional influence.
In a pointed critique of Ruto, Gachagua also addressed the former Deputy President’s public display of faith during the 2022 campaigns. The DCP leader suggested that the electorate is now more discerning and will not be swayed by religious theatrics. “I do not know what we will do about this matter of the Bible. For us Christians, if someone comes with a Bible and says he is saved, we say Amen. This man came with a big Bible… I blame myself for being lied to and deceived our people, but then I console myself and say if bishops, pastors and reverends were deceived, then who am I, Riggy G of Wamunyoro?” Gachagua said, making a candid reflection on past electoral experiences.
He added, with a touch of humor and humility, “Bishop, forgive us. Nowadays, when someone comes with a Bible, we do not close our eyes because we have suffered for believing in the Bible.” His words resonated with the audience, reflecting a sense of political maturity and caution against blind allegiance.
Gachagua’s speech also touched on the broader theme of political resilience and strategic alliance-building. He stressed that personal loyalty and historical ties play a crucial role in political decision-making, often outweighing short-term disagreements or disputes. By framing his relationship with Kenyatta as a bond forged over decades, the DCP leader reinforced the message that political maneuvering should not overshadow long-term partnerships and regional solidarity.
As Kenya heads towards the 2027 General Elections, the Mt. Kenya region is expected to be a pivotal battleground. Gachagua’s remarks signal an intention to consolidate regional power while sending a clear message to President Ruto and his allies that attempts to fragment the voting bloc will not be tolerated. Analysts suggest that such rhetoric could shape the region’s political dynamics in the coming months, especially as leaders seek to position themselves strategically ahead of the polls.
Rigathi Gachagua’s defense of his ties with Uhuru Kenyatta underscores a broader narrative of loyalty, unity, and political strategy. By recalling decades of collaboration, highlighting the dangers of disunity, and challenging public perceptions shaped by past conflicts, Gachagua is positioning himself and the Mt. Kenya region as a cohesive and formidable political force. His remarks during the burial of Daniel Karaba not only honored a fallen colleague but also served as a strategic clarion call for regional unity, signaling that politics of the past need not dictate the future.
