The Democracy for Citizens' Party Leader Rigathi Gachagua has now come out to defend former president and Jubilee Party leader Uhuru Kenyatta.
Speaking on Saturday, November 1, 2025, the former second-in-command stated that President William Ruto has developed a habit of using elected leaders in the Mt. Kenya region to score politically by sending them to attack those who oppose his leadership, including his former deputy, Uhuru.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta during the burial of the late Raila Odinga in Bondo. Photo: Courtesy
Gachagua expressed his deep disappointment over the recent verbal attacks on Uhuru by Ruto's allies, particularly mentioning Farouk Kibet, Ruto's personal assistant.
Gachagua accused Kibet of insulting the Mt. Kenya community and their leadership, claiming that such remarks not only disrespected Uhuru but also undermined the unity and dignity of the region.
“Sasa umefika mahali, unatuma ule mtu wako wa standard three anatukana sisi. Anatukana jamii yetu, akisema sisi ni roho chafu,” Gachagua said, referring to the hurtful words directed at their community and leadership.
He also took aim at a section of Mt. Kenya leaders who continue to support Ruto despite the ongoing attacks on their own.
DCP Leader Rigathi Gachagua. Photo: Courtesy
“Mimi huzuni yangu ni wale watu wanatoka Mlimani, wakitembea na Githinji, akitukosea sisi, kama jamii na kutukosea heshima,” Gachagua lamented, expressing his sorrow at how some leaders from the region have aligned themselves with a government that disrespects them and betrays their community’s interests.
The former deputy president's remarks have once again highlighted the growing rift within the Mt. Kenya leadership and their shifting loyalties in the current political landscape.
Elsewhere in Kilifi, People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua continued her criticism of Tanzania’s elections and leadership, claiming that dictatorship is taking root in several East African countries, with leaders clinging to power beyond their terms.
President William Ruto speaks during a past rally. Photo: Courtesy
“East African leaders wanakatalia kiti. Wanazeekea wengine hawawezi hata tembea. Five years is enough to show what you have done for the people. So, one term is real, hata mimi mkinipa, ni one term,” said Karua.
She, however, cautioned against losing faith in women’s leadership, arguing that the failures of one leader should not define all women leaders.
Karua took aim at Tanzania’s President-elect Samia Suluhu, claiming her actions were casting women leaders in a negative light.
