Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has come to the defence of Uhuru Kenyatta, following a spate of criticism aimed at the former Head of State by Kenya Kwanza Allies.
Gachagua, while speaking during a Thanksgiving Service at his Wamunyoro home in Nyeri County on Sunday, pointed an accusing finger at his former boss, President William Ruto, whom he accused of sending proxies to attack Uhuru.
The former DP was referring to the latest remarks made by Ruto's aide Farouk Kibet, who recently cautioned Uhuru against meddling in the country's political affairs.
“You have sent your errand boys like Farouk and Ichung’wah to go insult our young man, the Fourth President — they must stop,” Gachagua warned.
On Saturday, Farouk called on Members of Parliament to table a motion to have former Heads of State surrender their retirement benefits once they step away from politics as a measure to regulate the influence of retired political leaders.
But in a rejoinder, Gachagua faulted Kenya Kwanza leaders for unwarranted attacks on Uhuru as he vowed to keep defending the former President.
“If you continue using these young men to insult the President, the next time you come here, I will tell the people to also come for you," Gachagua warned.
The Wamunyoro meeting on Sunday marked a pivotal time in the battle to capture the Mount Kenya voting bloc, as several leaders, including Gachagua's newfound political allies Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua and former Interior Secretary Fred Matiang'i.
Other leaders at the event also echoed Gachagua's sentiments, with Kathiani MP Robert Mbui urging Kenya Kwanza allies to refrain from dragging Uhuru's name into current politics.
Since his presidential term came to an end, Uhuru has tried to maintain a neutral stance in Kenyan politics, and there have been hints that he is still in good standing with his former deputy, who is now the current head of state, William Ruto.
However, this has not stopped the former Head of State from courting controversy with subtle criticisms of the government – something which has not augured well with Kenya Kwanza allies.
In January, Uhuru elicited mixed reactions by siding with the United States' move to cut donor funds, saying third-world countries should develop mechanisms to depend on themselves.
