Muturi: Uhuru’s handshake with Gachagua will spell doom to Ruto
By Mabonga Makhanu, February 14, 2026Former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi has stated that should retired President Uhuru Kenyatta join hands with Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua, it will spell doom for President William Ruto in 2027.
Speaking during an interview with political analyst Herman Manyora on Friday, February 13, 2026, Muturi said that if the two set aside their past differences and work together ahead of 2027, the chances of President Ruto being defeated at the polls will be high.
He further added that a pact between the two would send a strong message to the country, signalling that they are joining hands to rescue Kenya from what he termed the “kleptocracy of the current regime”.
“It will send a very strong message to the country that we are moving together. The conversation will be that we are rescuing the nation because the kleptocracy of Ruto has gone too far. If they unite, the chances of defeating Ruto will increase substantially.”
Manyora’s view
Political analyst Herman Manyora, who conducted the interview, agreed with Muturi, noting that even appearing together in a photo, sharing a light moment, or sharing a meal in the current political climate, where perception carries immense weight, could make the 2027 polls an easier win for the united opposition, with Ruto potentially being defeated early.
When asked why the two are delaying coming together and working towards a common front, Muturi replied that processes are ongoing, hinting that in due time there will be a “white smoke”, as both leaders are working on something behind the scenes.
This comes amid speculation that the handshake between the former allies, who fell out during the run-up to the 2022 general elections, may be nearing, with both sides working toward a common front.
Murathe endorsing Gachagua
Allies of retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, such as David Murathe, who were previously critical of Gachagua, have in recent times softened their stance, with Murathe even appearing to endorse Gachagua as his preferred united opposition flagbearer.
Gachagua’s ally and DCP Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala also hinted that the two leaders are already working together and that details will soon emerge.
He added that the recent shake-up in Jubilee, in which Jeremiah Kioni moved from the Secretary General position to Deputy Party Leader, was interpreted by some as a demotion, though Kioni clarified that it was an elevation, making him directly answerable to the party leader.
According to Malala, it was a demotion over his continued criticism of Gachagua.
Uhuru himself, during a Jubilee grassroots meeting, warned party members against insulting Gachagua, stating that anyone who does so will be shown the party doors.
Gachagua defending Uhuru
Gachagua also came out personally to defend the 4th retired president, Uhuru Kenyatta, against ongoing attacks from leaders allied with the state, with some even threatening that his retirement benefits could be stripped if he continues engaging in active politics.
Gachagua stated that should this happen, the united opposition will reinstate his dues once they take over power. He openly declared that from now on, he will be the one defending Uhuru against all attacks.