Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has dismissed claims of a fallout with Uhuru Kenyatta.
The former deputy president defended Uhuru Kenyatta and pledged to seek PCEA intervention over alleged pressure on a minister who hosted him.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua denies a rift with retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, dismissing claims of a fallout. He also accused President William Ruto of turning against leaders who helped him gain power.
Gachagua spoke during a church service at Kamangu Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) in Kikuyu Constituency, Kiambu County. He defended Kenyatta’s record while accusing Ruto and Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah of political intimidation.
The former deputy president further alleged that political leaders had pressured church officials to stop him attending the service.
Gachagua denies rift as he defends Uhuru’s record
Gachagua said Kenyatta completed his constitutional term and handed over a stable country. However, he accused the current administration of damaging the country while continuing to attack the retired president.
He alleged that Ruto used Ichung’wah to criticise Kenyatta in Parliament. Gachagua claimed the MP spent 17 minutes attacking the former president while he was visiting the United States.
Gachagua maintained that political differences should not undermine respect for Kenyatta, who served as Kenya’s fourth president from 2013 to 2022. He also accused Ruto of abandoning political allies after benefiting from their support.
Drawing a parallel with his own removal from office, Gachagua claimed the President had used and discarded him. He further alleged that Ichung’wah helped facilitate his ouster.
Appeal to PCEA leadership over alleged pressure
Meanwhile, Gachagua alleged that Reverend Kavwi faced threats for agreeing to host him at Kamangu. He claimed Ichung’wah used the church’s presbytery to pressure the minister and prevent his attendance.
Gachagua questioned why his departure from government should lead to attempts to exclude him from worship. He said he would write to the Moderator of the PCEA General Assembly seeking intervention over the alleged harassment.
He also argued that religious leaders should not face punishment for hosting politicians. Gachagua urged Ruto to allow churches to operate without political interference.
Beyond the church dispute, he accused Ichung’wah of supporting intimidation against the Kikuyu community rather than defending its interests. He criticised the MP’s remarks questioning the community’s voting strength and pledged to continue defending Mount Kenya against alleged discrimination.
