Gachagua Vows to Defend Uhuru Kenyatta From Alleged Ruto Attacks
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has publicly vowed to defend retired President Uhuru Kenyatta against what he described as sustained political intimidation allegedly orchestrated by President William Ruto and senior figures within the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Speaking during a public address on Monday, Gachagua accused the current administration of attempting to silence the former head of state for exercising his constitutional right to engage in politics and interact with leaders across the country. He claimed that Uhuru Kenyatta was being targeted through political pressure and threats aimed at discouraging him from expressing his views.
“I have seen leaders from Western Kenya, the governor, the deputy governor, Aden Duale and others. They have been sent by William Ruto to abuse President Uhuru Kenyatta and to intimidate him, to sell him fear so that he should not have a political mind, should not interact with other leaders, and should not have a political choice,” Gachagua alleged.
The former deputy president further claimed that the intimidation allegedly extended to threats of withdrawing Kenyatta’s retirement benefits and allowances should he continue to participate in political discourse.
“They are trying to tell him that if he continues, they will take away his retirement benefits and his allowances,” he said.
“I don’t think President Uhuru Kenyatta can give up his constitutional obligations because of allowances. President Uhuru Kenyatta is not a poor man. He is a Kenyan who has worked hard and has resources. He cannot be told to shut up so that he gets allowances or does not get them,” Gachagua stated.
He added that Kenyatta, having served the country at the highest level, was entitled to express himself freely like any other citizen, without intimidation or coercion.
Positioning himself as a defender of the Mount Kenya region’s political leadership, Gachagua said he felt a personal responsibility to stand up for the former president whenever he was attacked.
“As a leader from Mount Kenya, I will not sit back and watch a respected statesman being mistreated in retirement,” he said, adding that leadership came with the duty to protect the rights and dignity of those who had served the nation.
“President William Ruto is in shock. He is confused. He has panicked. The one-term thing is real because he became president courtesy of Mount Kenya votes. Those who voted for him and even those who voted for Raila are now against him,” Gachagua claimed.
Despite the tensions, Gachagua insisted that attempts to intimidate Kenyatta or other leaders would not divide the region politically. He said efforts were underway to maintain unity within Mount Kenya, which he described as a critical voting bloc in national politics.
According to Gachagua, he is working closely with retired President Uhuru Kenyatta and other leaders, including Martha Karua, Justin Muturi, and Mithika Linturi, to ensure the region remains politically cohesive.
“We are determined to keep Mount Kenya united because its voice is critical to the future of this country,” he said.
Neither President Ruto nor the UDA leadership had issued an official response to Gachagua’s claims by the time of publication.
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Gachagua Vows to Defend Uhuru Kenyatta From Alleged Ruto Attacks
