Gachagua to Uhuru: We will deal with the government

Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua during a church service at PEFA All Nations, Nyeri on August 23, 2026. [Jane Mugambi, Standard] 

Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua has urged retired President Uhuru Kenyatta to stay away from the affairs of the current government.

Gachagua said the former Head of State should be allowed to enjoy his retirement without being drawn into political battles.

Speaking during a church service in Nyeri on Sunday, Gachagua said he would oppose any attempt by President William Ruto’s administration to enlist Uhuru’s support.

He praised the former president for maintaining that he has no interest in returning to active politics.

“Please leave the former President Uhuru Kenyatta alone. We have asked Uhuru to stay at home and rest, and leave us to deal with the government,” Gachagua said.

He added: “Uhuru decides to help the government; we shall disagree with him. And we do not want that.”

Gachagua said Uhuru deserved to retire peacefully after serving as Kenya’s president, warning against involving him in the political contests ahead of the 2027 General Election.

“I want to commend Uhuru Kenyatta because he is steadfast and has maintained he does not want that. Uhuru must remain clean and be allowed to enjoy his retirement without anyone bothering him,” he said.

His remarks came on the same day Uhuru rejected claims that he was interfering in current politics by supporting opposition figures.

Speaking during the 23rd memorial service of former Vice-President Michael Wamalwa Kijana in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County, Uhuru said he had no interest in seeking any political position.

“If you want votes, ask Kenyans politely; they will give them to you or deny you,” Uhuru said, adding that he was grateful for the opportunity Kenyans had given him to serve in leadership.

The former president also called for peace, unity and respect as political parties begin positioning themselves for the 2027 elections. He cautioned Kenyans against allowing politicians to divide or intimidate them.

“Kenyans are the ones who will decide whom they want,” Uhuru said. “If they want what is good, they should find a way to be united, walk together and be respectful to each other.”

Gachagua accused the President of creating political parties in the Mt Kenya region to divide the vote and urged residents to support DCP.

He also accused Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku of helping efforts to fragment the region’s political support.

Gachagua further warned political aspirants against hiring goons, saying candidates who resort to violence would be disqualified regardless of their popularity.

“We will not allow aspirants to hire goons. If you hire goons, we will disqualify you, despite how popular you are,” he warned.

The former Deputy President also accused the government of extrajudicial killings, alleging that young people had been killed and injured. “This government has killed our youths, injured them, and should be rejected,” he said.