The former President and his former deputy met at a family memorial service in Nairobi, days after Gachagua held talks with Kalonzo Musyoka and Fred Matiang’i to ease tensions within the Opposition.
NAIROBI, Kenya – Former President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua appeared together at a memorial service in Nairobi on Wednesday, November 11, in an encounter likely to attract political attention as Opposition leaders work to build a united front ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The two leaders attended the service for Beatrice Wambui Muturi, Uhuru’s first cousin, at PCEA Nairobi West Church in Lang’ata.
Although the gathering was primarily a family occasion, their appearance together comes amid growing calls for prominent Opposition figures to set aside past disagreements and coordinate their political efforts against President William Ruto.
Gachagua confirmed his attendance in a statement, saying he had arrived at the church alongside Uhuru, Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa.
He described the deceased as a mother and the heart of her family, while offering condolences to relatives and friends.
Quoting Psalm 34:18, Gachagua said: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
He added: “May God draw near to all who mourn and bring them comfort and strength.”
Former Health Cabinet Secretary Beth Mugo, another of Uhuru’s first cousins, was also present. She was seen embracing Gachagua during the gathering.
Opposition Divisions Form Backdrop to Encounter
The meeting comes as political attention increasingly turns to whether Uhuru and Gachagua can establish a working relationship after their differences during the previous administration.
Calls have been mounting for the two leaders to demonstrate publicly that they have moved beyond their past political disagreements, with some supporters advocating for a public handshake.
Wednesday’s encounter, however, took place at a family memorial service and was not announced as a political meeting.
It also followed renewed tensions within the Opposition, particularly after Gachagua and Jubilee Party leader Fred Matiang’i exchanged sharp remarks over the proposed structure and leadership of a possible coalition.
The disagreements raised questions about how the different political formations would agree on a common strategy and eventually select a presidential candidate to challenge Ruto.
Gachagua, Kalonzo and Matiang’i Hold Unity Talks
On November 8, Gachagua, Matiang’i and Kalonzo held a meeting in Nairobi to address concerns over the growing disagreements.
The three leaders represented their respective political formations, with Gachagua attending for the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), Matiang’i for Jubilee and Kalonzo for the Wiper Patriotic Front.
Their discussions followed public differences over Gachagua’s proposed regional-bloc arrangement and how Opposition partners should approach coalition-building.
After the meeting, Matiang’i shared photographs of the leaders together with the message: “Brothers will always put Kenya first.”
The talks were viewed as an effort to contain the disagreements, although questions surrounding the coalition’s leadership, presidential ticket and power-sharing arrangements remain unresolved.
Uhuru’s appearance alongside Gachagua at Wednesday’s service adds another notable moment to the evolving Opposition political landscape.
