Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has admitted that he regrets falling out with retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, blaming the rift on political influence from President William Ruto.
Speaking during an interview on the Obina Show on Friday night, Gachagua opened up about the strong bond he once shared with Uhuru, describing him as “a brother and a friend.”
“Uhuru Kenyatta is my brother, he is my friend,” Gachagua said. “I served him for four years. Between 2013 and 2017, we had the best relationship. We used to visit each other, call regularly, we got along very well.”
Their relationship, which began long before 2001 when Gachagua served as Uhuru’s personal assistant, continued into his time as Mathira Member of Parliament. However, Gachagua revealed that the friendship began to deteriorate following his growing alliance with President William Ruto.
“I regret that I allowed William Ruto to get in between me and Uhuru Kenyatta, my brother and clansman,” he said. “William Ruto convinced me somehow that Uhuru was a bad man, despite the fact that I had known Uhuru longer”
Gachagua revealed that it was actually Uhuru who introduced him to Ruto and urged them to work together during their time in government. Yet when Uhuru later opposed Ruto’s presidential ambitions, Gachagua chose to side with Ruto.
“Listening to William Ruto, I found it unfair that Uhuru didn’t want him to be president. So I decided to support Ruto. But now I realize Uhuru was right, and I was wrong. It was a great mistake on my part.”
Despite their political differences, Gachagua emphasized that he continues to hold Uhuru in high regard.
“Uhuru is my friend, my brother. He is now retired, and I respect him a lot. I have nothing but tremendous respect for him,” he said.
Gachagua who unveiled his party Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) on Thursday, says he is now focused on a different journey politically.
