Uhuru Kenyatta jokingly asked Rigathi Gachagua to repay money intended for his 2017 campaign.
Gachagua told mourners he used money meant for Uhuru’s 2017 repeat election campaign to settle personal debts, prompting a playful repayment demand.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta jokingly asked Rigathi Gachagua to refund a Sh1.5 million campaign donation he spent on personal debts. The former deputy president had admitted using the money to cover his own financial obligations.
The exchange took place during the requiem mass for Uhuru’s cousin, Beatrice Wambui Muturi, at PCEA Nairobi West Church. Uhuru’s response drew laughter from mourners at the Wednesday, November 11 gathering.
Gachagua explains how he spent the campaign donation
Gachagua said Wambui brought the money to his home in a nylon bag in 2017. The Supreme Court had nullified the August presidential election, and she wanted to support Uhuru’s repeat election campaign.
However, Gachagua told mourners that he faced financial difficulties after the previous election. Instead of directing the contribution towards the campaign, he used it to settle some personal debts.
In response, Uhuru said he would visit Gachagua’s Wamunyoro home in Nyeri to collect the money. He also joked that his friend Maina would accompany him to ensure Gachagua repaid it. The former president framed the demand as a light-hearted response to Gachagua’s account.
Shared history and a call for unity
The two leaders have a long working history, with Gachagua previously serving as Uhuru’s personal assistant before entering elective politics. Their political choices later placed them on opposing sides during the 2022 General Election.
While Uhuru supported Raila Odinga’s presidential bid, Gachagua joined William Ruto’s ticket as his running mate. Despite those differences, Gachagua has recently described the former president as his elder brother.
Meanwhile, Uhuru used the church gathering to urge peace and unity among opposition leaders. He also reminded mourners that he had retired from active politics and now lived in Ichaweri. However, he said he continued to follow developments in the country.
