Gachagua and Uhuru attended Beatrice Wambui Muturi’s requiem mass at PCEA Nairobi West Church.
Rigathi Gachagua affirmed his longstanding bond with Uhuru Kenyatta during a requiem mass and admitted using a campaign donation for personal needs.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has said no one will again divide him and former President Uhuru Kenyatta. Gachagua and Uhuru attended a requiem mass for Kenyatta’s cousin, Beatrice Wambui Muturi, at PCEA Nairobi West Church.
Speaking during the service, Gachagua acknowledged their past differences but maintained that their friendship and family connections had endured. He described Uhuru as his brother and blamed their fallout on the devil coming between them.
His remarks signalled renewed warmth after years of political tension between the once-close Mount Kenya allies. However, Uhuru has remained publicly reserved about efforts to restore their relationship.
Gachagua and Uhuru revisit their political history
Gachagua recalled helping the Kenyatta family during Uhuru’s unsuccessful presidential campaign in 2002, when Mwai Kibaki won. He said that campaign created political structures which later helped Uhuru secure the presidency in 2013.
He also recalled serving as Uhuru’s personal assistant, describing their association as a combination of friendship, political mobilisation and family ties. Gachagua entered elective politics in 2017, winning the Mathira parliamentary seat.
However, their relationship deteriorated ahead of the 2022 election when Gachagua joined William Ruto’s camp. Uhuru instead supported Raila Odinga’s presidential bid, while Ruto and Gachagua went on to win the election.
In May 2025, Gachagua expressed regret over the fallout and accused Ruto of driving them apart. Meanwhile, Mount Kenya elders and political leaders have pursued reconciliation efforts ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Campaign donation prompts light-hearted exchange
During his tribute, Gachagua said Wambui gave him Sh1.5 million in a nylon bag for Uhuru’s 2017 repeat-election campaign. The Supreme Court had nullified the initial presidential election, and he said the Jubilee campaign team faced financial strain.
However, Gachagua admitted using the contribution to address his own financial difficulties rather than passing it to the campaign. Uhuru responded with humour, saying he would visit Gachagua’s Wamunyoro home with his friend Maina to recover the money.
Gachagua also credited Wambui with mentoring him in business and helping him acquire several properties. These included his Karen home, where he said he had lived for 34 years.
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa also attended the requiem mass. Their attendance came as opposition leaders sought to resolve internal disagreements and explore cooperation ahead of 2027.
