Saturday, May 17, 2025 — Nairobi, Kenya:
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua admits he misjudged Uhuru Kenyatta and was misled by President Ruto. Read how Gachagua plans to undo his political mistakes ahead of 2027.
Let me know if you’d like variations with different focus points like Mt. Kenya politics, 2027 elections, or Ruto-Uhuru fallout.
In a surprising political admission that could reshape alliances ahead of 2027, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has publicly apologized to retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, saying he deeply regrets allowing President William Ruto to sever their long-standing friendship.
Speaking candidly on the Obinna Show, Gachagua described Uhuru as both a “friend and brother,” and said their relationship, which blossomed during the 2013-2017 period, was sabotaged by “poor judgment and blind loyalty” to Ruto.
“Uhuru is my friend and brother. We achieved what we desired for him to be president. Between 2013 and 2017, we had the best relationship,” Gachagua said.
“Until Ruto came between us. He (Uhuru) was very nice to me… and I really regret that I allowed Ruto to get between me and Uhuru.”
The former Mathira MP revealed that it was President Kenyatta who first introduced him to Ruto during the early Jubilee years. His support for Ruto’s 2022 presidential bid, he said, was born out of a belief in political fairness and the perceived mistreatment of Ruto by Uhuru.
But that belief, Gachagua now says, was misinformed.
“I believed it was unfair that Uhuru didn’t want Ruto to be president. Today I know differently. Uhuru was right. I had poor judgement,” he confessed.
Praise for Uhuru, Criticism for Ruto
In a rare show of humility, Gachagua praised Uhuru for his leadership style and maturity, describing him as a wise statesman whose legacy deserves protection.
“I cherish his leadership. I have tremendous respect for him as an elder and senior citizen. I wish him a peaceful and enjoyable retirement. When he is attacked unnecessarily, I defend and protect him,” Gachagua said.
The former deputy president’s words mark a sharp shift from his previously hostile stance against Uhuru, whom he once accused of meddling in post-2022 opposition politics. His new tone seems to suggest an emerging political realignment as public discontent with the current administration grows.
While Gachagua did not directly attack Ruto, his remarks strongly implied that the sitting president was the source of division and deception. The confession also touched on the emotional toll the fallout took on Uhuru.
“He took it heavy when we ‘betrayed’ him. He felt I needed to believe him — that Ruto is a bad man. Had I listened to him, this country would not be in the hole we are in.”
A New Path Ahead?
With the 2027 general election now just two years away, Gachagua’s public reversal is bound to stir speculation about his political future — and whether a reunion with Uhuru or the opposition is on the horizon.
Asked about what lies ahead, he was cryptic yet clear about his intentions:
“That’s water under the bridge. My focus is to correct the situation and the mistakes I made. I’m an extremely busy man trying to undo those mistakes.”
It remains unclear what “undoing” those mistakes entails, but political analysts believe the statement is a coded message about distancing himself from Ruto’s leadership — potentially signalling the early stages of an opposition realignment or even a new political formation.
Public Reaction
Online reaction to Gachagua’s comments has been swift and polarized. Supporters of the former Jubilee regime lauded his honesty and humility, while others accused him of opportunism.
Some netizens interpreted the move as a way of testing the waters ahead of a political comeback, especially in Mount Kenya, where dissatisfaction with the Kenya Kwanza government is reportedly growing.
For now, Gachagua’s remarks have reopened an important conversation about betrayal, loyalty, and the cost of political miscalculation.
