Gachagua defends Uhuru as UDA fires back in escalating political row

Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has defended retired President Uhuru Kenyatta amid escalating attacks from Kenya Kwanza leaders, saying the former Head of State has a democratic right to speak on national issues despite his retirement.

Speaking during the funeral service of Reverend Catherine Macharia, wife of Full Gospel Churches of Kenya General Overseer Bishop David Macharia, in Nakuru County on Tuesday, Gachagua accused leaders allied to the ruling coalition of engaging in divisive politics and making inflammatory tribal remarks that could endanger national unity.

The DCP leader mounted a spirited defence of Kenyatta a day after the former president criticised the government for engaging in blame games instead of focusing on service delivery.

The remarks came as the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) launched a scathing attack on Kenyatta, accusing him of leaving behind a struggling economy and attempting to shift blame to the current administration.

In an open letter dated May 26, 2026, the ruling party claimed Kenyatta handed over an economy burdened by debt, inflation and weakened institutions, arguing that President Ruto inherited a country “dangerously close to default.”

UDA further accused the former president of failing to build a lasting economic and political legacy during his ten years in office and alleged that his criticism of Ruto was driven by bitterness over the outcome of the 2022 General Election.

“We have heard you loud and clear. First, temper your intense bitterness, fierce jealousy, endless envy, and toxic obsession with William Ruto,” part of the statement read.

The ruling party defended Ruto’s administration, crediting it with stabilising the economy, restoring investor confidence and addressing challenges facing farmers.

“Wachana na Uhuru Kenyatta. Alipeana serikali kwa amani. Ni Uhuru anafanya serikali isifanye kazi? Uhuru ndio anafanya SHA isifanye? Uhuru ndiye aliuwa Gen Zs?” Gachagua posed.

He urged President William Ruto and his allies to stop blaming Kenyatta for the government’s shortcomings.

“Don’t blame Uhuru Kenyatta for your failures. Leave Uhuru Kenyatta to be. He is retired but not tired,” Gachagua said.

UDA also accused Kenyatta’s administration of presiding over high fertiliser prices, struggling sugar factories and exploitation within the coffee sector.

The exchange underscores the deepening political fallout between Ruto and Kenyatta, whose alliance collapsed ahead of the 2022 General Election after nearly a decade of working together in government.

At the same time, Gachagua warned politicians against using inflammatory rhetoric that could plunge the country into unrest similar to the 2007 post-election violence.

“We don’t want what happened in 2007 to repeat. We don’t want the drums of war. Hatutaki jamii yoyote itishwe. This is your home and you have no other home. Mtu asiuziwe uoga. Waache kuprofile a community,” he said.

The former Deputy President also dismissed claims that the 2027 General Election could be rigged.

“Mtaiba kura tukiwa wapi? Hii si Uganda. Hii si Tanzania. Don’t threaten people. Those are empty debes,” he stated.

Gachagua further called for speedy investigations into the deaths of several clergymen, including PCEA Reverend Julius Ngari Ndumia and Catholic priest John Ndegwa Maina.

“Three weeks ago, Rev. Ndumia of PCEA Church was killed but his killers were set free. If the President is not safe, who is safe?” he posed.

Meanwhile, political activity is intensifying ahead of the 2027 elections, with DCP candidate Sammy Kamau Waweru presenting his nomination papers to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission ahead of the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election expected in mid-July.

The contest is shaping up into a fierce political battle between Gachagua’s DCP party and the ruling UDA as political realignments continue to take shape.