DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua addressing Gatundu South residents on August 16, 2026/ HANDOUTFormer Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has urged President William Ruto to leave retired President Uhuru Kenyatta alone and instead focus on his political rivals ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Gachagua, who has positioned himself as a key challenger to Ruto, said Uhuru had retired from active politics and should not be dragged into the political contest.
“William Ruto, please leave President Uhuru Kenyatta alone. President Uhuru Kenyatta is retired. Face your competitor, Rigathi Gachagua,” he said.
Speaking in Gatundu South, Gachagua defended the former president's record, contrasting Uhuru's 10-year administration with Ruto's government and accusing the current administration of undermining institutions left by his predecessor.
“He worked for 10 years. He left you a country that was standing, but in four years, many things have changed,” Gachagua said, citing the transition from the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the Social Health Authority (SHA), arguing that Uhuru had left behind a functioning health insurance system.
Gachagua also pointed out issues of insecurity while insisting that Uhuru should be allowed to enjoy his retirement with the dignity accorded to a former head of state.
The renewed political exchange follows Ruto's recent remarks about an unnamed political “sponsor” whom he accused of backing political opponents against his administration.
Although the President did not mention Uhuru by name, his remarks were interpreted by leaders affiliated to the united opposition as a reference to the former president.
Ruto made the remarks amid growing debate over his Vision 2060 initiative, a long-term development blueprint intended to succeed Vision 2030. The President has defended the plan as a framework for Kenya's future beyond his tenure.
Uhuru has largely remained silent amid the renewed political contest, but his influence has continued to loom large, particularly in the Mt Kenya region and opposition politics.
He remains at the centre of Jubilee Party’s political realignment and has been involved in shaping its leadership ahead of the 2027 elections.
Gachagua claimed the government had sought to involve Uhuru in the initiative, saying he advised the former president against being drawn into the plan, saying it was an attempt to use his name to divert attention from the government's record.
He said Ruto should instead confront him politically, arguing that Uhuru would not be on the ballot in 2027.
“You are competing with a man called Rigathi Gachagua. Leave President Uhuru Kenyatta alone,” he said.
The former deputy president further pledged to defend Uhuru against what he described as political attacks, calling on his supporters to protect the retired president's dignity.
“I want to say this in Gatundu, your home area. We will protect you. We will defend you. And no one will interfere with you,” Gachagua said.
Gachagua's remarks come as political realignments gather pace ahead of the 2027 elections, with Ruto facing a growing opposition coalition and former allies positioning themselves for the contest.
He maintained that Uhuru should be allowed to retire peacefully and that political leaders should focus on issues affecting Kenyans rather than continuing to draw the former president into partisan battles.
