Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has recently taken a firm stance against the continued public criticism of former President Uhuru Kenyatta. Emphasizing the need for unity and respect, Gachagua has publicly apologized for past political attacks and urged leaders to cease delegating others to vilify Kenyatta.
Gachagua has openly admitted that he and other leaders from the Mt. Kenya region were misled into attacking Kenyatta during the 2022 political campaigns. He has since sought forgiveness, stating, “We were misled, we attacked and shouted down President Uhuru. I requested forgiveness… Never again will we attack our leader.”
The Deputy President has highlighted the importance of unity within the Mt. Kenya region, warning against external forces attempting to sow discord. He emphasized that the region should not allow outsiders to divide them and called on young leaders to resist being used as tools for political division.
Gachagua has vowed to protect Kenyatta’s legacy, asserting that the former president should not be blamed for current national issues. He stated, “Let him be given his retirement benefits, his cars and his bodyguards… why are we still blaming him for our problems like the economy? Let us leave him alone.”
The Deputy President has also addressed internal tensions within the ruling coalition, cautioning against the politics of betrayal. He has warned that some leaders who previously opposed Kenyatta are now being used to undermine him, emphasizing the need for solidarity and mutual respect among leaders.
