Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has hinted that the United Opposition may eventually lean on retired President Uhuru Kenyatta for a political boost ahead of the 2027 General Election. Addressing a congregation at PCEA Illasit in Kajiado South, Gachagua suggested that while the opposition currently feels prepared to challenge President William Ruto independently, they remain open to seeking Kenyatta’s influence if the political tide turns.
Gachagua acknowledged the former president’s right to a quiet retirement but noted that political necessity could change that status.
“Uhuru did his work, and he is supposed to rest, but that does not mean we cannot call him when the need arises. If we see this man is too strong for us, we will call Uhuru to help us,” Gachagua said.
Despite keeping that door open, Gachagua reassured his supporters that the opposition currently possesses the strength to compete without outside help. He voiced confidence in his team’s ability to mount a formidable campaign on their own merits for the time being.
“We are not there yet. As of now, I can bring him down without Uhuru’s help. I am okay with my colleagues,” he added.
Gachagua went as far as promising to personally bridge the gap with the former Head of State should the mission to reform the country’s leadership require extra weight. He indicated that no personal or political distance would stop him from requesting the retired president’s intervention if the current administration proves too difficult to unseat.
“If the situation demands that we recall Uhuru from retirement to come and help us fix this country and get good governance, we shall do so. I will personally go to his home and ask that he help us, but we are fine so far,” he said.
Gachagua Defends Uhuru Kenyatta’s Political Role
Gachagua also took a stand against a faction of Kenya Kwanza leaders, condemning what he described as targeted attacks on Uhuru Kenyatta and demanding respect for the former Head of State. These comments follow a wave of criticism from President Ruto’s allies, who recently accused the retired president of fueling divisive politics and attempting to undermine the current government.
Critics, including National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, argue that Kenyatta has overstepped constitutional boundaries by staying active in partisan battles rather than embracing a neutral, statesmanlike role.
“I respect Uhuru as a former president and a leader I have worked with in government, but he should now serve as a beacon of peace and unity and a source of statesmanlike counsel,” Wetang’ula said.
Defending his former boss, Gachagua argued that leaving office does not nullify a leader’s fundamental freedoms. He asserted that Kenyatta remains a citizen with the full right to voice his perspective on national affairs.
“The former president must be respected. He may have retired from the presidency, but his mind is not retired. He still retains his constitutional rights, including the freedom to hold opinions and make political choices,” said Gachagua.
In a direct appeal, the former Deputy President encouraged Kenyatta to ignore the noise from government critics and stay involved in the country’s political evolution. He warned that silence in the face of poor leadership would be a disservice to the nation.
“Those leaders should leave Uhuru alone. He is our leader and you cannot say that because he is retired, his mind is also retired. He still has an opinion,” Gachagua said.
“He still has constitutional right; freedom of expression, the right to express opinions, to have a political choice, and freedom of assembly. I want to ask Uhuru not to be intimidated. You are a Kenyan like the rest. Please do not chicken out. History will judge you harshly if you shy away from assisting the country to get good governance,” Gachagua said.
Uhuru Cites Barack Obama
Uhuru Kenyatta recently stepped up to defend his political presence, drawing parallels between his actions and those of global leaders like former U.S. President Barack Obama. Addressing the Maa Delegates Conference in Narok County during a homecoming event for Jubilee Secretary General Moitalel Ole Kenta on May 1, 2026, Kenyatta argued that staying active in party affairs aligns perfectly with modern democratic values. He pointed out that former heads of state worldwide frequently continue to champion their political parties long after their terms end.
By positioning his involvement as a constitutional right rather than a breach of protocol, Kenyatta reaffirmed his unwavering loyalty to the Jubilee Party. He dismissed the idea that retirement requires a vow of silence, making it clear that he intends to remain a vocal participant in the nation’s political dialogue.
“Kwa kweli mimi nina haki ya kutetea chama changu. Mimi hakuna kiti yoyote mi natafuta lakini mimi ni mwanachama wa Jubilee kwa hali na mali na damu. Mkienda America, akina Obama bado wanatetea vyama vyao. Kwa nini niambiwe siweziongea wala kuchangia chochote? Kila mtu ana haki ya kidemokrasia katika katiba yetu kulinda haki yake,” he affirmed.
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