Gachagua to Ruto: You cant come between me and Uhuru
By Mabonga Makhanu, April 1, 2026Former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua has told President William Ruto that he cannot ruin the relationship he has with Uhuru Kenyatta.
Speaking during the burial of the first Kirinyaga senator Daniel Karaba on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, the outspoken Democracy for Citizens (DCP) leader said the president and his allies in State House have been saying that Uhuru cannot work with him.
“You cannot come between me and my brother Uhuru Kenyatta; you are not one of us,” Gachagua said.
He continued lecturing the president, telling him that the bond between him and the retired president is unbreakable.
He stated that he worked as the personal assistant to Uhuru Kenyatta for many years, and while they later became political enemies within three years, they remain solidly together.
According to Gachagua, the person who brought the feud between him and his former boss, Uhuru Kenyatta, was William Ruto. He added that a 3-year feud can’t break the bond he built with Uhuru for 20 years while working for him.
He told the president that he does not know the Mountain region very well and that being voted for by the Mount Kenya region does not mean he understands it. He said that issues concerning the mountain are complex and require mountaineers alone to comprehend.
Gachagua-Uhuru truce
This came after the two, who have been bitter foes in the run-up to 2022, met at the funeral of the late Kirinyaga senator, where they were seen sharing light moments with each other among other United Opposition principals. This made former Defence Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa state that this was the first time he had seen the two together.
This comes at a time when the rift that existed between the two, especially in the run-up to the 2022 general elections, appears to be narrowing, with them now seeming to be putting their past behind them in preparation for 2027.
Gachagua, in a recent interview after signs of their reconciliation began to emerge, was asked if he could shake hands with Uhuru. He stated that there is no need for a handshake since Uhuru is like a brother to him, and there is no need for reconciliation because, according to him, they are “children of the same house”.
Gachagua-Kioni meeting
This has seen allies of the 4th President also softening toward Gachagua. For instance, Jubilee Party deputy party leader Jeremiah Kioni visited him at his Karen residence, praising Gachagua as the undisputed king of the mountain.
Kioni added that what Gachagua has achieved in one year in opposition surpasses what the late Raila Odinga accomplished in his lifetime in opposition.
Former Gatanga MP David Murathe has also softened toward Gachagua, even expressing confidence in him, saying that he is the most suitable United Opposition principal to unseat President William Ruto in 2027.
Uhuru, on his side, has cautioned members of his party against attacking Gachagua, warning that anybody who does so risks being expelled from the party.
Political analysts’ reactions
Political analysts, such as Peter Kagwanja, have commented on what appears to be a reunion between Gachagua and Uhuru, saying it could be significant and might sway support in the Mountain.
Kagwanja stated that while Uhuru is the Muthamaki—a king or leader—Gachagua is a Mutongoria, who takes instructions from the king and manages the daily affairs of the community.