NYERI, Kenya – Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua launched a scathing defense of former President Uhuru Kenyatta on Sunday, condemning President William Ruto and his allies for what he termed a persistent campaign of political disrespect towards Kenyatta.
Speaking at a thanksgiving service in Nyeri County, Gachagua accused members of Ruto’s inner circle, including State House operative Farouk Kibet and National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, of being used to attack the former president.
Gachagua, clearly agitated, warned that the continued political attacks would not be tolerated.
“Umetuma vibaraka yako hawa akina Farouk na huyu mwingine Ichung’wah, kwenda kutusi kijana yetu, Rais wa Nne — wakome,” he said, adding that any further attacks on Kenyatta would be met with resistance.
The former Deputy President challenged Ruto to confront Kenyatta directly if there were any issues between them, instead of hiding behind his allies.
“We want to tell President Ruto that kama yeye ni mwanaume, usitume watu, umtusi wewe mwenyewe,” Gachagua asserted, calling for a more direct approach to any political differences.
Kindly accept these goats as our gift from the @TheWiperParty family to the Rigathi family ahead of the Interdenominational Thanksgiving Service today.
Gachagua threatened political retaliation if the attacks on Kenyatta continued.
“Ukitumia vijana kutukana Rais, wakati utakuja hapa tena, nitaambia watu wakutukane,” he warned.
Gachagua also pledged to personally protect Kenyatta from political attacks, declaring, “Kuanzia leo, mimi nitakuwa mlinzi mkuu wa Uhuru”.
He further directed a direct warning to President Ruto: “William Ruto, you know me… you know me. Ukitumia hiyo vijana kutukana Uhuru Kenyatta, hawa vijana watakutimua.”
The statements were echoed by other leaders present at the event, including Kathiani MP Robert Mbui, who urged Kenya Kwanza leaders to show restraint and avoid maligning Kenyatta.
Embakasi Central MP Benjamin Gathiru also weighed in, urging Ruto’s allies to “stop insulting Uhuru” and treat him with the dignity he deserves.
However, Ruto’s government figures, including Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, continued their offensive against the former president.
Duale accused Kenyatta of attempting to incite a youth-led uprising, warning that such behavior would tarnish his legacy as a statesman.
The tension between the two sides has been escalating since Saturday when Kenyatta, during a wedding ceremony for David Kimoi — the son of former Baringo Senator Gideon Moi — made veiled remarks criticizing the current administration’s handling of youth voices.
Kenyatta’s comments, where he stated that “when young people talk, they panic,” drew sharp reactions from Ruto’s allies, with Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa accusing Kenyatta of hypocrisy.
Barasa pointed to Kenyatta’s appointment of 91-year-old Moody Awori to head the Sports Fund, suggesting that Kenyatta had sidelined the youth during his own presidency.
We will make big sacrifices for this country beyond personal goals and ambitions for the sake of our children. We have spoken in one relentless voice and commitment.Our country must prosper with a great promise to clean our country from the dealers.How can a nation so
