Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has condemned a section of Kenya Kwanza leaders over what he termed ‘attacks’ on the fourth President, Uhuru Kenyatta, calling for respect towards the retired Head of State.

Speaking on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at PCEA Illasit Church, Kajiado South, Kajiado County, Gachagua defended Kenyatta’s right to express his political views, noting that retirement from office does not strip a leader of their constitutional freedoms.

“The former president must be respected. He may have retired from the presidency, but his mind is not retired. He still retains his constitutional rights, including the freedom to hold opinions and make political choices,” said Gachagua.

Attack on Uhuru

These remarks come just a day after a section of Kenya Kwanza leaders launched a scathing attack on Uhuru Kenyatta, accusing him of breaching legal and constitutional expectations by remaining active in partisan politics instead of retreating into a statesman role.

Speaking during women and youth empowerment drive in Busia County, the leaders warned the former Head of State against what they termed as persistent political provocation.

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, who led the delegation in separate engagements in Budalang’i and Butula constituencies, urged Kenyatta to emulate his predecessors by stepping back from active politics and fostering national unity.

“I respect Uhuru as a former president and a leader I have worked with in government but he should now serve as a beacon of peace, unity and a source of statesmanlike counsel,” Wetang’ula said.

Kenya was good under Uhuru

Gachagua further used the opportunity to draw comparisons between Kenyatta’s administration and the current government under President William Ruto, claiming that several key programmes were functioning effectively before the transition of power.

According to him, initiatives such as Linda Mama, Edu Afya and scholarship programmes were running smoothly during Kenyatta’s tenure but are now facing challenges.

“When Uhuru handed over power, many initiatives that were working perfectly are no longer functioning as they should. The country was running smoothly,” he added.

Uhuru’s hard stance

Uhuru Kenyatta has defended his continued engagement in Kenyan politics, citing former U.S. President Barack Obama as an example of leaders who remain active in party affairs after leaving office.

He spoke via phone during the Maa Delegates Conference and homecoming celebration for Jubilee Secretary General Moitalel Ole Kenta in Narok County on May 1, 2026.

Uhuru said political participation after leaving office is consistent with democratic practice, noting that former leaders in other countries continue to support their political parties. He stressed that he remains a committed member of the Jubilee Party and has a constitutional right to contribute to political discourse.

“Kwa kweli mimi nina haki ya kutetea chama changu mimi hakuna kiti youote mi natafuta lakini mimi ni mwanachama wa Jubilee kwa hali na mali na damu. Mkienda America, wakina Obama Bado wanatetea vyama vyao kwa nini niambie siweziongea Wala kuchangia chochote? Kila mtu ana haki ya kidemokrasia katika katiba yeti kulinda haki yake,” he affirmed.