Uhuru Kenyatta joins Rigathi Gachagua, other opposition leaders in Kirinyaga

Politics flourished at Daniel Karaba’s funeral as opposition leaders gathered at the grounds of Njegas Primary School, Kirinyaga county
The meeting between Uhuru Kenyatta and Rigathi Gachagua fueled the call for unity in the Mt Kenya region towards the 2027 General Election
Gachagua, who has now reconciled with Uhuru, previously admitted that his attacks on the former president were wrong

Politics came to light at the funeral of former Kirinyaga county senator, Daniel Karaba, held on Wednesday, April 1.

Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta sharing time with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Photo: DCP TV.
Source: Twitter

Politicians from the united opposition wing, led by Rigathi Gachaguagathered in the grounds of Njegas Primary School to say goodbye to the late politician.

Others who attended included Martha Karua (PLP leader), Eugene Malwa of DAP-K, Fred Matiang’i of the Jubilee party and Justin Muturi.

Later, they were joined by Uhuru Kenyattawho has been facing accusations from government supporters who claim that he is funding the opposition to undermine William Ruto’s leadership.

Also read

Kithure Kindiki Forgives Rigathi Gachagua, Says He Won’t Fight With Him Again: “I Forgive You”

Uhuru was seen chatting and laughing with Gachagua, being the first time they were seen together after a long time.

At the funeral, there was a low-level message to encourage the unity of Mount Kenya, while the speakers called on Uhuru and Gachagua to unite and give the area a political direction as the year 2027 approaches.

The former Secretary General of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Karanja Kibicho, urged the two leaders not to let the people down by reading different political texts.

Uhuru and Gachagua were known to be political rivals, with Gachagua strongly criticizing the former president ahead of the 2022 general election.

Does Gachagua regret attacking Uhuru Kenyatta?

However, several years later, especially after he was removed from power (impeachment), Gachagua regretted his strong attacks against Uhuru during the campaigns before the 2022 elections.

Time and time again, Gachagua explains that the hatred against Uhuru stemmed from his advice to Mt Kenya voters to consider him Raila Odinga for the presidency.

He has been admitting that he and the region were too harsh on Uhuru, punishing and humiliating him for supporting Raila. In hindsight, he admits that was wrong.

Also read

UDA accused Uhuru Kenyatta of undermining William Ruto’s government, funding the opposition

The former vice president admits that his group overstepped the bounds by attacking Uhuru and isolating him in the Mt Kenya area during the 2022 campaign.

In a media interview, Gachagua said his attitude changed after President William Ruto recently embraced Raila, which made him realize that their previous stance against Uhuru was wrong.

Gachagua revealed that he has since contacted the former president to apologize, and their relationship has improved significantly.

He added that now that both Uhuru and Ruto consider Raila as an ally, the Mount Kenya area has also decided to put aside its hostility against the former ODM leader.

Former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua. — Former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua speaking at the previous event. Photo: Rigathi Gachagua.
Source: Facebook

Is Uhuru Kenyatta funding the opposition?

The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) accuses Uhuru of trying to pressure his successor politically.

The secretary general of UDA, Hassan Omar, claimed that the former president is determined to see Ruto fail, saying he is funding the opposition to weaken the Kenya First government.

Speaking at the party’s headquarters on March 31 when he was issuing nomination certificates for the May 14 by-election, Omar said Uhuru is trying to disrupt the government’s agenda for political gain.

Also read

Robert Alai Accuses ODM of Allowing Winnie Odinga to Speak During the NDC Congress

Omar continued to claim that Uhuru, after failing during his leadership, cannot bear to see a successful administration after him, and thus aims to smear the current government.

Why are Ruto’s allies criticizing Uhuru Kenyatta?

According to Omar, the opposition is implementing Uhuru’s agenda of spreading propaganda and false information to cover the work of the government.

He emphasized that while the government continues with its development agenda, the opposition has used false information to tarnish its image.

Omar’s comments came a few weeks after Ruto’s aide, Farouk Kibet, also criticized Uhuru for continuing to participate in politics despite his retirement.

At the Kakamega meeting, Farouk accused Uhuru of secretly funding opposition activities against the government.

He mentioned the “Linda Mwananchi” meetings organized by Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna and some deviant ODM members, claiming Uhuru is using those platforms to weaken the government in power.

Farouk said that the former president is not satisfied with Ruto’s development implementation and is sending money to political campaigns which, in his view, divides Kenyans.

He warned that the government will take measures to block Uhuru’s funds, stressing that divisive politics will not be tolerated.