Gachagua says relationship with Uhuru already strong, no handshake needed

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua/SCREENGRAB

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has dismissed speculation of a political handshake with retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, saying there is no need for such an arrangement as the two already share a brotherly relationship.

Speaking on the matter, the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader expressed surprise at the persistent calls for a handshake.

He questioned the basis of such demands, maintaining that his relationship with the former Head of State is cordial and does not require any formal reconciliation.

“I’m shocked people keep on saying we need to do a handshake with (former) President Uhuru Kenyatta. A handshake for what? We are brothers,” Gachagua said during a podcast interview on Friday evening.

The former deputy president noted that his relationship with Uhuru goes back many years, highlighting his time serving as the retired president’s personal assistant for seven years.

According to Gachagua, their bond extends beyond politics, with both families maintaining close ties over time.

“Uhuru and I are brothers. He is my elder brother. I served as his personal assistant for seven years. I believed in him and his leadership. He has come to my home, I have been to his home, and our children are friends,” he said.

Gachagua, however, acknowledged that their relationship experienced strain during the heated political period leading up to the 2022 general elections, when he chose to support President William Ruto against Uhuru’s preferred candidate, then, Raila Odinga.

He described the political fallout as acrimonious but noted that it was part of the normal dynamics of competitive politics.

“Along the way in politics, when I decided to support William Ruto against his wish, we differed politically, and it was very acrimonious, as it goes in politics. But when Ruto won, and Raila Odinga lost, that was over,” he explained.

Gachagua further revealed that he personally took the first step to mend their relationship by apologising to Uhuru for any remarks that may have offended him during the political contest.

He said the apology was accepted, effectively restoring their relationship.

“It was me who took the first step to apologise to (former) President Uhuru for whatever I would have said that offended him, and it was forgiven,” he stated.

He further emphasised that there is currently no conflict between them and reiterated that calls for a handshake are unnecessary.

According to him, the continued public debate about their relationship is misplaced and ignores the reality that they have already reconciled.

“You cannot keep asking whether you are in good books with your brother. We are brothers, and we have had a long political history, and today Uhuru Kenyatta is retired,” he said.

Gachagua also described himself as one of Uhuru’s strongest defenders, noting that he often speaks up whenever the retired president is criticised.

He praised Uhuru as a statesman who served the country diligently and deserves a peaceful retirement.

“Anytime he is attacked, I defend him because I believe he is a statesman who did 10 good years and served this country well. We need to let him retire in peace,” Gachagua said.

The remarks come at a time of heightened political realignments and speculation about possible alliances ahead of the 2027 general elections.