Gachagua Seeks Truce With Uhuru as Mt Kenya Storm Worsens
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is reportedly pursuing a truce with his rival and former President, Uhuru Kenyatta, after falling out with several Mt Kenya politicians.
While discussing the fallout with Uhuru Kenyatta on Inooro TV on Friday, October 6th, Gachagua disclosed that he was pursuing dialogue with Uhuru to unite Mt Kenya as the 2027 General Election draws near.
He added that he had instructed his allies to refrain from attacking the former head of state, who had been subjected to vitriols and criticism to the point where his family’s home in Northland City was seized after he declared his support for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
According to Gachagua, who aims to establish himself as the region’s dominant figure, it was preferable to unite and heal the community of the rivalry that was on display during the scramble for Mt Kenya votes.
“Mr Kenyatta was fronting Mr Raila Odinga for the presidency, and he lost. We have now decided to embrace him as our respectable son and statesman despite everything.
“As Mt Kenya leaders, we have agreed not to be fighting him, and I am planning to hold talks with him. I have ordered everyone to respect him, and he is also doing good to keep his peace,” Gachagua stated.
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Gachagua claims that Uhuru Kenyatta’s previous decision to return to politics could have derailed the government. In addition, he praised the former chief of state for his recent decision to leave politics.
“I said no one would be attacked and we spoke with other leaders I told them Uhuru Kenyatta is also our son even if we fought, the elections ended, and former President Uhuru Kenyatta, who is enjoying his retirement, should be given his respect, and we have said no one will speak negatively of him.
“He has done well by being quiet and I thank him for that because when he had returned to politics we felt the burden,” Gachagua noted.
Gachagua also discussed burying the animosity with Uhuru Kenyatta, stating that a ‘handshake’ would occur when the time was right.
“When the right moment arrives and hearts soften we will talk and as the proverbs say two axes can’t stay in one basket without hitting each other.”
Uhuru has not yet confirmed whether he has taken a sabbatical from politics, as Gachagua has claimed. Before departing for the United Kingdom in July or August of this year, the former head of state publicly stated that he would not be forced to step down.
“I had thought that when I summon the NDC, I would come and tell you that I have achieved what I could and that it is time for you to pick other leaders. But others decided that it would be intimidation and force, today I tell them to get someone to intimidate and not Uhuru Kenyatta,” he told Jubilee delegates at a controversial National Delegates Conference at Ngong’ Racecourse in May 2023.
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He also verified that, after serving two terms as head of state, he was not fleeing the country but rather resting.
“I’ve been at peace. I have never had as good family time as I wanted. I want to go on vacation with my children and grandchildren. Do not say I have run away. I need rest, and they need me,” Uhuru told editors at an interview in July 2023.
The vice president’s initial prediction that he would end Uhuru Kenyatta’s dominance in the Mt Kenya region contributed to the ensuing rivalry between the two politicians. As he overtly opposed Uhuru, a storm erupted within his Kenya Kwanza alliance, culminating in the recent reorganization of Cabinet Secretaries.
CSs appeared to openly disagree with and query Gachagua, while others, such as former Trace CS Moses Kuria, who is now serving in the Public Service docket, blamed the DP for orchestrating the recent Cabinet changes.
Earlier in the year, it was reported that Gachagua and Interior CS Kithure Kindiki and Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro disagreed. He refuted the reports, however.
Gachagua Seeks Truce With Uhuru as Mt Kenya Storm Worsens