Wamalwa: It’s my first time seeing Uhuru and Gachagua sitting together
By Mabonga Makhanu, April 1, 2026The Democratic Action Party (DAP-K) party leader Eugene Wamalwa said that the meeting between the retired president Uhuru Kenyatta and former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua was the first time he had seen them together.
Speaking during the funeral of former Kirinyaga Senator Daniel Karaba, the former defence cabinet secretary also noted that it was the first time the United Opposition had met with the fourth president.
With Siaya Governor James Orengo present at the funeral, Wamalwa also remarked that should Linda Mwananchi partner with the United Opposition, the sixth President of Kenya could emerge from that particular sitting.
“Hii ni mara yangu ya kwanza kuona Gachagua na uhuru wakiwa pamoja; hii pia ni mara yangu ya kwanza kuona united opposition wakikutana na Uhuru,” he said.
This comes after Uhuru and Gachagua met during the funeral, an event that has taken the country by storm.
What has caught the attention of many is Uhuru’s interaction with the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader, Rigathi Gachagua. The two were seen engaging in light conversations, laughing, and appearing to enjoy the moment, with Uhuru at one point giving Gachagua a thumbs up.
The two leaders, who were once close allies—with Gachagua having served as Uhuru’s personal assistant for seven years before venturing into business and later politics—fell out after Gachagua supported President William Ruto in the 2022 elections.
Uhuru-Gachagua rift
Since then, they have been at loggerheads. However, in recent times, the rift between them appears to be narrowing, with signs that their political paths may be aligning. This was evident when Uhuru Kenyatta called out Jubilee Party members who had been attacking Gachagua, such as former Ndaragwa MP Jeremiah Kioni, warning that continued attacks could lead to disciplinary action.
Additionally, former Gatanga MP and Uhuru ally David Murathe has softened his stance on Gachagua, even endorsing him as a suitable presidential flag bearer for the United Opposition, arguing that he would secure an early win.
This shift has also seen Jeremiah Kioni tone down his criticism, meeting Gachagua at his Karen residence and later praising him as the undisputed kingpin of the Mt Kenya region. He further stated that what Gachagua has achieved within a year in the opposition surpasses what Raila Odinga accomplished over his long political career in the opposition.
Political fireworks are expected to emerge from the funeral following the meeting between the two leaders.
Jubilee joins United opposition
This comes at a time when Uhuru Kenyatta has allowed his Jubilee Party to join the United Opposition.
The resolution was reached after he chaired a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, where the party also endorsed former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i to lead the party and act as its link within the newly rebranded United Alternative Government.