Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s handshake with retired President Uhuru Kenyatta seems to be in the offing; it looks like a bubble that may soon burst.

Despite many years of bromance, with Gachagua working as his personal assistant, a position he left to engage in other activities, the two found themselves on opposing sides in the run-up to the 2022 General Election.

However, the two now seem to be slowly shelving their past differences and coming together in the run-up to the 2027 General Election.

Gachagua defending Uhuru

Gachagua, for the recent past, has been out defending Uhuru after he came under attack from several leaders, especially from the Western region. During his address to the nation, he defended him, particularly after he was threatened that his benefits would be withheld due to his active engagement in politics post-retirement.

He stated that should the United Opposition, which has been rebranded as the United Alternative Government, take power, they will return all the benefits that were withheld by the current administration.

He added that even these benefits are not something the retired Head of State fully depends on, noting that he has worked hard for himself, has a lot of money, and will not be punished if such benefits are withheld.

He continued to state that he will not allow any leader from the government side to attack Uhuru Kenyatta and that he will always come out to defend him, saying that it is now his duty to do so.

This softness and going slow on Uhuru is not by coincidence; it is part of the handshake that might soon be made public, especially at this point when the Jubilee Party has declared its stand in the United Opposition and is presenting former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i as their link in the United Opposition that is adamant about unseating Ruto in 2027.

Malala’s take on Uhuru-Gachagua handshake

During an interview with a local TV station, Gachagua’s ally and Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) deputy party leader Cleophas Malala hinted at the same.

He said that the two are already working together and that this is what has threatened President William Ruto since he knows the duo can spell doom for his re-election in 2027.

He further added that the Uhuru–Gachagua handshake that is in the offing is the one that made the Jubilee Party move Jeremiah Kioni from the Secretary-General position to the Deputy Party Leader position, something that the former Ndaragwa MP has come out to defend, saying that it was not a demotion but an elevation since, according to him, it is only the Party Leader who is above him.

He also contended that both the deputy party leader and secretary-general are members of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).

Murathe praising Gachagua

During the book launch of former National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi on Friday, November 7, 2025, David Murathe — a close ally of the former president who in the past could not read from the same script with Gachagua and was heavily critical of him—was very soft and had only kind words for Gachagua.

He even exuded confidence in Gachagua as the best person in the United Opposition to face President William Ruto in 2027.

He further noted that he has known Gachagua for a long time and understands that when Rigathi decides to focus on something, he gives it his all, urging him to focus on the presidency and deliver victory to the United Opposition.

“Riggy G tunakutuma hio kazi uhakikishe, mimi najua wewe ukifocus unafocus sana, na tunasema mketi sisi tuko pamoja na nyinyi,” Murathe stated.

Murathe also told the United Opposition principals that they are eagerly awaiting a “white smoke” moment on who will be named the flag bearer, adding that whoever is chosen will receive full support from all quarters to clinch the top seat.

Uhuru courting Gachagua

Retired President Kenyatta, on his side, also appeared to be slowly courting Gachagua. During a Jubilee Party engagement with grassroots leaders, he warned members of the Jubilee Party, singling out Jeremiah Kioni, to stop attacking Gachagua, stating that anybody who would continue doing so would face the full wrath of the party’s disciplinary mechanisms, including being shown the party’s door.

Murathe also came out to back his party leader’s position and warned against attacks on Gachagua.

Gachagua’s recent sentiments toward the retired president cannot be taken lightly; their handshake might not be far-fetched.

In politics, enmity is never permanent; players are always on different sides of the political divide when interests do not align, and when they do align, they will always shelve their differences to work together, and that might be the case between the two sons of the mountain.

Muturi’s view

Former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi has also 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”.

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.