Gachagua Tells Ruto Not to Intimidate Uhuru Kenyatta

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has publicly defended retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, accusing President William Ruto and senior members of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) of seeking to intimidate and silence him.

Speaking at a public event, Gachagua claimed that Kenyatta was facing sustained political pressure for remaining active in national affairs and engaging with other leaders. He alleged that individuals linked to UDA had been sent to criticise the former president and discourage him from speaking out, including through threats to withdraw his retirement benefits.

Gachagua said such actions amounted to harassment and were intended to undermine Kenyatta’s standing. He argued that these efforts would not succeed, noting that Kenyatta’s personal wealth and independence made him resistant to political coercion.

Presenting his remarks as both a personal obligation and a regional responsibility, Gachagua said he would not allow Kenyatta’s dignity to be eroded. He maintained that Kenyatta handed over a stable country at the end of his presidency and should not be blamed for the current administration’s challenges.

Gachagua also linked the alleged intimidation to growing political unease within the Ruto administration, particularly over declining support in the Mount Kenya region. He said dissatisfaction was widespread and cut across voters who had previously supported both President Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga.

He warned that attempts to divide or intimidate leaders from the region would not weaken Mount Kenya’s political cohesion. To emphasise unity, Gachagua named Uhuru Kenyatta, Martha Karua, Justin Muturi and Mithuka Linturi as part of a broader effort to consolidate the region’s political influence.

Gachagua said Mount Kenya would remain a decisive force in national politics and urged President Ruto to stop using what he described as junior leaders to attack Kenyatta.