Gachagua: We may turn to Uhuru to help oust Ruto in 2027

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has signalled that the United Opposition could turn to retired President Uhuru Kenyatta for support ahead of the 2027 General Election if circumstances demand.

Speaking during a church service at PCEA Illasit in Kajiado South, Gachagua said while the opposition is currently confident of unseating President William Ruto on its own, it would not hesitate to seek Uhuru’s backing should the political landscape shift.

“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.

He, however, maintained that the opposition remains capable of mounting a strong challenge without external reinforcement.

“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 further to state that if the situation requires, he would personally reach out to the former Head of State.

“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 helps us, but we are fine so far,” he said.

The remarks come amid heightened political tensions, with Uhuru increasingly finding himself at the centre of a growing public debate over the role of retired presidents in active politics.

Allies of Ruto have recently criticised Uhuru, accusing him of engaging in divisive politics and attempting to destabilise the current administration.

Despite the criticism, Uhuru has defended his right to participate in national discourse, arguing that retirement from office does not strip him of his constitutional freedoms.

He has previously urged Ruto to emulate the late President Mwai Kibaki, whom he praised for allowing his predecessor, the late Daniel arap Moi, to express dissenting views without interference.

Gachagua echoed similar sentiments, defending Uhuru’s continued engagement in political matters and cautioning against attempts to silence him.

“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 rights-freedom of expression, the right to express opinion, to have a political choice, and freedom of assembly,” he added.

The former Deputy President also urged Uhuru not to be intimidated by criticism from government allies, calling on him to remain active in shaping the country’s political future.

“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.