Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is seeking a truce with his nemesis and former President, Uhuru Kenyatta, after he reportedly fell out with a section of Mt Kenya politicians.
While addressing the fallout with Uhuru Kenyatta on Inooro TV on Friday, October 6, Gachagua revealed that he was seeking dialogue with Uhuru in an effort to unite Mt Kenya as the 2027 General Election fast approaches.
He added that he had further instructed his allies to refrain from attacking the former head of state, who was subjected to vitriols and criticism to the extent of his family's Northland City being raided after he declared support for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
According to Gachagua, who seeks to establish himself as the region's kingpin, it was better to unite and heal the community of the rivalry that was witnessed in the scramble for Mt Kenya votes.
“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.
Meanwhile, Gachagua also lifted the lid on burying the hatchet with Uhuru Kenyatta, citing that a 'handshake' would happen at the opportune time.
“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.”
However, Uhuru has not yet confirmed whether he has taken a break from politics as alleged by Gachagua. Prior to leaving for the United Kingdom around July and August this year, the former head of state had publicly confirmed that he would not be coerced to retire.
"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.
He also confirmed that he was not fleeing the country but rather taking a rest after serving two terms as head of state.
"I have been at peace. I have never had a good family time as I wanted. In fact, 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 deputy president had initially tipped to end Uhuru Kenyatta's dominance in the Mt Kenya region, a factor that culminated in the rivalry between the two politicians. As he openly battled Uhuru, a storm emerged in his Kenya Kwanza alliance, culminating in the recent reshuffle of Cabinet Secretaries.
CSs appeared to openly contradict and question Gachagua while some like former Trace CS, now serving in the Public Service docket, Moses Kuria, blamed the DP for orchestrating the recent Cabinet changes.
Earlier in the year, reports alleged that Gachagua had fallen out with Interior CS Kithure Kindiki and Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro. He, however, refuted the reports.
