DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua has said the united opposition will turn to retired President Uhuru Kenyatta for political backing ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during a church service at PCEA Illasit in Kajiado South on Sunday, Gachagua said the opposition would not hesitate to seek Uhuru’s support if the fight to unseat President William Ruto becomes more challenging.
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“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, even as he insisted the coalition can still unseat Ruto on its own.
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He said, as things stand, the opposition remains capable of mounting a formidable 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.
The former deputy president’s remarks come at a time when allies of the President have escalated attacks on Uhuru, accusing him of funding opposition activity, inciting youth and attempting to destabilise the government.
Senior figures in the Kenya Kwanza administration, including National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula, Senate Majority Leader and CS Geoffrey Ruku, have publicly alleged that Uhuru is backing opposition formations such as the “Linda Mwananchi” movement.
The Kenya Kwanza leaders have called on Uhuru to “stay retired” and stop his continued political engagement, warning they will withdraw his retirement benefits.
Kipkelion East MP Joseph Cherorot on Sunday said he would move the House to withdraw Uhuru’s benefits over his engagement in politics.
On Friday, however, Uhuru argued that retirement from office does not strip him of his constitutional rights.
“I am not in active politics and I am not seeking any elective position, but I have a right to defend my party,” Uhuru said, while also accusing the government of interfering with opposition parties.
Gachagua on Sunday defended Uhuru’s continued involvement in national affairs and warned 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,” he said.
“He still has constitutional rights—freedom of expression, the right to express opinion, to have a political choice and freedom of assembly.”
In a pointed appeal, Gachagua urged Uhuru not to retreat from the political arena under pressure from government allies, saying his involvement is critical in shaping the country’s future direction.
“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,” he said.
At the same time, Gachagua said his declaration of interest in the presidency will not undermine the opposition’s unity.
“DCP members have asked that I run for the presidency. But announcing my interest does not mean it will lead to divisions.
“I want to promise the people of Kenya that Rigathi Gachagua will not be a dividing factor in the quest for one presidential candidate. I believe and pray they pick me, but if we agree on someone else, I will support him,” he said.
He added that declarations by various leaders should not be interpreted as signs of disunity, but rather as part of a strategy to build individual support bases before a joint decision is made.
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