Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has dismissed calls for a public political handshake with retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, insisting that the two are already on good terms and have moved past their bitter political fallout.

In an interview on Iko Nini podcast on Friday, March 27, 2026, Gachagua revealed the depth of his long-standing relationship with Kenyatta, describing it as familial rather than political, saying that their fallout during the 2022 General Election cycle was purely political, arising when he chose to back President William Ruto against Kenyatta’s preferred direction.

“Uhuru is my older brother. For your information, I served as personal assistant for seven years. I believed in him and his leadership. Along the way in politics, when I decided to support William, it is his wish, we differed politically, and it was very acrimonious, as it was in politics,” Gachagua explained.

Despite the heated exchanges that defined that period, Gachagua has disclosed that he personally took steps to repair the relationship after the elections.

“After we won, it is me who took the first step. I took the very courageous step to apologize to the President for whatever I could have said that would find a name, and it was forgiven,” he said.

This revelation comes amid growing speculation that the two leaders have quietly reconciled, even as political realignments begin to take shape ahead of the 2027 polls under the United Alternative banner to unseat Ruto.

Gachagua firmly rejected the narrative, stating that a public reconciliation ceremony is necessary.

“People keep on saying that we need to do a handshake with the President. Handshake for what? We are brothers; the issue of family. you cannot keep on asking,” he stated.

Gachagua defends Uhuru

The Democracy for the Citizens (DCP) leader’s sentiments also come at a time when he has increasingly taken a surprising role in defending Kenyatta from political attacks, particularly from leaders allied to the government.

In recent weeks, Gachagua has pushed back against threats to strip the retired Head of State of his benefits over his continued involvement in politics.

In a defence, Gachagua warned that such actions would be reversed should the opposition take power, arguing that Kenyatta’s benefits are a matter of principle, not necessity.

“He has worked hard for himself, has a lot of money, and will not be punished if such benefits are withheld,” Gachagua said.

More notably, the DCP boss framed his defence of Kenyatta as a personal obligation.

“I will not allow any leader from the government side to attack Uhuru Kenyatta. I will always come out to defend him. It is now my duty to do so,” he declared.

Now, with early political manoeuvring for 2027 already underway, the apparent thaw in relations could signal broader realignments within Kenya’s political chessboard, with the opposition strategising on making Ruto a one term president.