Gachagua: United Opposition will reinstate Uhuru Kenyatta’s benefits if Ruto withdraws
By Mabonga Makhanu, February 10, 2026Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has come out to defend retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, stating that if his retirement package is withheld by the current administration, a future United Opposition government would reinstate his benefits after the 2027 elections.
Speaking on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader defended the fourth president against criticism from leaders allied to the government, following his continued involvement in politics after retirement. Some leaders have warned that Kenyatta risks losing his retirement allowances due to his political engagements.
Gachagua maintained that even if such action is taken, a United Opposition administration would restore all his dues once in power.
“President Uhuru Kenyatta is not a poor man; he is a Kenyan who has worked hard and is a Kenyan who has money and resources. And I don’t think the president, uh, Kenyatta, can be told to shut up so that he gets allowances, or he doesn’t get them. In any case, even if they carry out the threat and hold his allowances, there’s no problem. Once we take over the office, we shall give President Kenyatta his dues,” Gachagua stated.
Gachagua accused several leaders from Western Kenya, including Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa and his deputy Ayub Savula, alongside Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and other allies of President William Ruto, of attempting to intimidate and discredit the retired president.
According to him, these leaders are trying to discourage Kenyatta from engaging with other political leaders or expressing independent political views by threatening the withdrawal of his retirement benefits and allowances.
Defending Uhuru
He argued that those leaders lack the moral authority to lecture a former Head of State, describing Kenyatta as a respected statesman and nationalist who served the country with dedication and deserves dignity and respect in retirement.
“I have seen leaders from Western Kenya, the governor, and the deputy governor. I’ve seen Adam Duale and others. They have been sent by William Ruto to abuse President Uhuru Kenyatta and try to intimidate him and try to sell him fear that he should not have a political mind,” Gachagua stated.
He also stated that Kenyatta cannot abandon his constitutional rights or political freedoms over financial benefits, noting that the retired president is financially stable and cannot be coerced into silence through threats tied to allowances.
Gachagua further claimed that President Ruto’s allies are uncomfortable with Kenyatta’s political activity because of growing fears that the President could face a one-term scenario. He added that Ruto’s political strength heavily relied on votes from the Mount Kenya region through his support.
Ruto visiting Uhuru
And now that they have fallen out with him, the president, according to Gachagua, is trying to woo Uhuru to his side, which was evidenced by the meeting he had with him at his Ichaweri residence.
He concluded by asserting that Kenyatta would not support any efforts aimed at dividing the Mount Kenya voting bloc, arguing that the region’s unity remains a significant factor in shaping the country’s future political direction.