Gachagua Fires Back as Row Over Uhuru Explodes Into Fresh Political Storm
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has launched a robust defence of former Head of State Uhuru Kenyatta, amid escalating criticism from a faction of Kenya Kwanza leaders who accuse the retired president of meddling in active politics.
The latest political flashpoint was triggered by renewed attacks on Kenyatta following his recent remarks on the state of the nation ahead of the 2027 General Election. Several leaders allied to the ruling coalition claimed the former president was engaging in divisive rhetoric and undermining the government of William Ruto.
Lawmakers from Nandi, Uasin Gishu and Busia counties intensified the offensive, with some threatening to table a motion in Parliament seeking to strip Kenyatta of his retirement benefits under the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act.
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei was among the most vocal, arguing that Kenyatta should not continue to enjoy state privileges while criticising the government.
“He gets 80 per cent of the President’s salary. The government provides his security and offices. Yet he insults the government. I want to ask my colleagues that when we return to Parliament, we strip his benefits,” Cherargei said.
However, Gachagua swiftly pushed back, insisting that Kenyatta retains full constitutional rights despite leaving office.
“Uhuru Kenyatta is our leader. Just because he is retired doesn’t mean his mind is retired. He still has an opinion. He still retains his constitutional right to express his opinion and to have a political choice,” Gachagua stated, dismissing the criticism as unjustified.
The former deputy president further accused sections of Kenya Kwanza of attempting to intimidate Kenyatta through threats targeting his benefits.
“Don’t intimidate the retired president, saying you can withdraw his retirement benefits. Even if you did, it would just be for a short time. Once we come in next year, we will restore the benefits with arrears and pay him with interest,” he warned.
Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu also rallied behind the former president, emphasising his rights as a citizen.
“Uhuru Kenyatta must have freedom like any other Kenyan. And we are ready to protect him,” Nyutu said.
2027 Ambitions Surface
In a significant political signal, Gachagua also reiterated his intention to challenge President Ruto in the 2027 elections, while maintaining he would support any consensus opposition candidate if not selected.
“Rigathi Gachagua cannot be the dividing factor in the quest for one presidential candidate. I have hopes, and I am requesting to be chosen. I think I am enough. But even if that is not possible and another is chosen to challenge him, I will support them,” he said.
Uhuru Hits Back
Kenyatta himself has defended his continued engagement in political discourse, rejecting calls to retreat from public debate.
“Honestly, I have the right to defend my party. I am not seeking any position, but I am a member of Jubilee in every way—fully and wholeheartedly,” he said.
The former president pointed to global precedents, citing figures such as Barack Obama as examples of retired leaders who remain politically active.
“If you go to America, people like Obama still defend their parties, so why should I be told not to speak or contribute anything? Everyone has a democratic right under our Constitution to protect their rights,” he added.
The unfolding standoff highlights deepening divisions within Kenya’s political landscape, with tensions between allies and critics of the former president threatening to reshape alliances ahead of the next general election.
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