NYERI, Kenya – DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua has praised former President Uhuru Kenyatta for reportedly rejecting attempts to work with President William Ruto ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has urged former President Uhuru Kenyatta not to enter into any political agreement with President William Ruto ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during a church service in Nyeri on Sunday, Gachagua said Uhuru would risk damaging his political legacy if he agreed to work with his successor.
Gachagua said he had seen reports suggesting that Uhuru had rejected efforts to reunite with Ruto, describing the position as the right decision.
“I want to laud President Uhuru for rejecting any attempts by Ruto to work with him. If he agrees to work with Ruto he will taint his name,” Gachagua said.
The remarks come amid renewed political exchanges between Ruto and Uhuru as political parties and movements intensify preparations for the 2027 elections.
Gachagua revisits Ruto-Uhuru fallout
Gachagua also revisited his previous allegations about attempts by Ruto to bring Uhuru back into government-related initiatives.
He referred to earlier claims that Ruto wanted to involve Uhuru in overseeing his proposed “Beyond 2030” development plan, arguing that the former president should not have been approached without proper consultation.
Gachagua has previously portrayed the proposal as part of broader efforts by the Ruto administration to rebuild relations with the former president.
Uhuru, however, has repeatedly said he is not interested in seeking another elective position.
Speaking in Kitale on Saturday during the memorial service of former Vice-President Michael Kijana Wamalwa, Uhuru said Kenyans should be allowed to freely choose their leaders.
He also dismissed suggestions that he intends to return to politics.
“I am not interested in any seat,” Uhuru said.
Gachagua recalls attempts to reconcile with Ruto
Gachagua further claimed that he attempted to resolve his differences with Ruto before their relationship deteriorated, saying he used several intermediaries to try to broker a truce.
He named National Intelligence Service Director Noordin Hajji and former Head of Public Service Felix Koskei among those he said were involved in efforts to reconcile the two leaders.
“I sent elders from his Kalenjin community among them late Baringo Senator William Cheptumo, but he refused to listen. I sent church leaders, he refused to listen to them,” Gachagua said.
The former deputy president was impeached by the National Assembly and Senate in 2024 following a political fallout with Ruto. He was subsequently removed from office and replaced by Kithure Kindiki.
Gachagua has since established DCP and emerged as one of the leading figures seeking to consolidate opposition support ahead of the 2027 election.
Ruto accuses Uhuru of backing opposition
Gachagua’s remarks come shortly after Ruto again accused Uhuru of supporting opposition politicians seeking to defeat him in the 2027 election.
Ruto and his allies have repeatedly alleged that the former president is backing political formations opposed to the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Uhuru has rejected claims that he is sponsoring the opposition, saying Kenyans themselves will decide who should lead the country.
He has also urged opposition leaders to unite if they want to present a credible alternative to Ruto.
The former president recently named several politicians, including Ruto, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, saying voters should be free to choose whichever candidate they prefer.
