Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua used the funeral of former Kirinyaga Senator David Karaba on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, to warm up to former President Uhuru Kenyatta while directing sharp criticism at President William Ruto.
Observers noted the two sharing lighthearted moments, engaging in animated conversation, and laughing together throughout the event. At one point, Uhuru even gave Gachagua a visible thumbs-up, signaling a significant shift in their relationship.
The two leaders share a deep history, as Gachagua served as Uhuru’s personal assistant for seven years before his transition into business and politics. However, their bond fractured after Gachagua backed William Ruto in the 2022 elections.
During his speech, the outspoken Democracy for Citizens (DCP) leader told President Ruto that he could not destroy the connection he shares with the former president.
Gachagua dismissed claims from State House allies who suggested that he and Uhuru could never work together again. Addressing his critics directly, he stated, “You cannot come between me and my brother Uhuru Kenyatta; you are not one of us.”
He continued his lecture to the president, declaring the bond between him and the retired head of state unbreakable. He reminded the audience of his many years as Uhuru Kenyatta’s personal assistant, noting that while they became political rivals for a brief three-year period, they now stand solidly together.
Gachagua blamed Ruto for the feud between him and his former boss. He argued that a three-year disagreement could not possibly sever a connection built over two decades of working closely with Uhuru.
“I have been personal assistant to President Uhuru Kenyatta for many years. I have worked closely with President Uhuru Kenyatta for 20 years. Hii jamaa ameingia kati kati yetu tumekosana mwaka tatu. Sasa kati ya mwaka tatu na ishirini ni ngani mingi,” he said.
Addressing the President directly, Gachagua claimed that Ruto does not truly understand the Mt. Kenya region. He stated that receiving votes from the area does not equate to comprehending its people, adding that the affairs of the Mountain are complex and require “mountaineers” alone to fully grasp.
Gachagua also addressed the former president, pointing out that many of his previous initiatives had been dismantled or replaced by systems that are now failing to function. He specifically highlighted mounting challenges in the education and health sectors, warning that stalled government programs are directly impacting children and families.
“Rais wetu ulipoondoka mambo ya capitation ambayo ilikuwa inakuja kwa shule wazazi wanakua hawana shida. As we speak today watoto wako nyumbani. Walimu wamefunga shule mapema kwa sababu ya madeni because they have no money for capitation to pay suppliers,” he said.
Turning his attention to healthcare, Gachagua criticized the overhaul of the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). He argued that the new Social Health Authority (SHA) is failing to deliver the results Kenyans previously enjoyed under the old system.
“Rais Uhuru Kenyatta my brother, ile NHIF ulipanga ilikuwa inafanya kazi mzuri ilitolewa yule jamaa akaleta nyama nyingine anaitwa SHA. Sijui kama umesikia Rais Kenyatta huyo SHA anaitwa SHA, SHU, SHI. Inafanya kazi? SHA inafanya kazi?”
Gachagua raised concerns over the transition from primary to high school, describing the current situation as a “big challenge” and pointing to the mismanagement of public resources.
“Tumetoka hapo mambo ya 100% transition ulipanga from primary school to high school. It’s a big challenge. So kelele iko kila pahali. And tunajaribu where we can kusema hiyo maneno,” he said.
The former Deputy President also addressed his ongoing dispute with Aden Duale regarding Social Health Authority (SHA) claims. He warned that the new health system faces imminent failure.
“Juzi nimesema hii SHA limepata habari itakollapse within six months. Na nikaomba mahospitali wachukue pesa yao so that ikisabaratika maospitali yetu isikue na shida,” he stated.
Gachagua dismissed Duale’s attempts to frame the criticism as an attack on his community.
“Huyu waziri anapiga kelele. Ile maneno nimemuliza ajibu hataki kujibu. Anasema ati tunapiga Wasomali. Mimi nauliza wewe waziri Duale, ukiiba pesa ya SHA, Wasomali walikuwa hapo? Ukijenga mall uko Yaya Center na ingine Karen Wasomali walikuwa pale?” he asked.
Gachagua insisted that the CS should take personal responsibility for his actions. “Ile pesa yote mmechukua ya SHA ni wewe. Usiingize jamii ya Wasomali kwa shida zako. The Somali community is an honorable community that does business in this country. Don’t drag the community into your challenges.”
Demanding transparency from the Ministry of Health, Gachagua called for the reinstatement of online platforms that allow Kenyans to track public spending. He pressed Duale for a simple “yes or no” regarding the technical management of the system.
“The question I asked you, Duale, is, can you confirm that the system ile inaregulate SHA is domiciled in Dubai or not? Can you answer that question? Is it yes or no? Tena nakuuliza, before Wakenya wapige kelele, there was an online platform ilionyesha pesa ya SHA vile inatumika kila siku wakenya waelewe. Why did you stop it?”
He urged the government to bring back the monitoring platform to ensure accountability. “Na ndio hii Nairobi Hospital ilitaka kuibiwa. Because walijua wakiiba Nairobi Hospital, kwa sababu ni hospital kubwa ya matajiri, pesa ya SHA ipite….”
Gachagua concluded by calling for absolute unity within the United Opposition. He urged leaders to consolidate their efforts behind a single candidate to challenge the current administration effectively.
“These are the issues of the day, na sisi zotaka kusema we are determined. Na vile tumeuulizwa hapa, it is true, tumekubaliana. Kama ni Martha Karua, kama ni Muturi, kama ni Wamalwa, kama ni Matiang’i, kama ni Kalonzo, kama ni Riggy G, tunataka Candidate mmoja.”
