Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Sunday escalated his political confrontation with President William Ruto, accusing the Head of State of orchestrating sustained attacks on retired President Uhuru Kenyatta through political allies.
Speaking during a church service at the AIPCA Church in Kiratina, Kiambu County, Gachagua warned President Ruto against what he described as deliberate and disrespectful assaults on the former president, saying Uhuru deserved dignity as a retired Head of State.
“Kasongo, Uhuru Kenyatta is not your agemate, you’re a young man, respect our retired president. Wacha kutuma hao vijana wadogo kutusi Uhuru,” Gachagua said, drawing loud reactions from the congregation.
He accused the President of avoiding direct confrontation while allowing close allies to publicly criticise Kenyatta.
According to Gachagua, such an approach undermines leadership and fuels unnecessary political hostility.
Challenging President Ruto directly, the former deputy president named several senior politicians allied to the Head of State, accusing them of acting as political proxies.
“Kama wewe ni mwanaume acha kutuma Junet, Wanga na Ichung’wah kumtusi, tokea uongee na sisi tukuamkie,” he said.
Gachagua further warned that his restraint should not be mistaken for weakness, suggesting he had deliberately avoided exposing sensitive political issues but could do so if provoked further.
“I have been very decent with you, tokea so that I can also undress you, nimekuwa nikiguzia hii ya juujuu. Wachana na Uhuru Kenyatta ukijipiga kifua ulimshinda, tokea kumenyana wewe na pia sisi tutokee,” he added.
The remarks come amid widening cracks within Kenya’s political establishment, particularly between President Ruto’s camp and allies of former President Kenyatta.
Although Uhuru has largely remained silent, his name continues to feature prominently in ongoing political exchanges.
Gachagua’s comments are expected to sharpen debate over respect for former presidents and raise fresh questions about the tone and direction of Kenya’s political discourse as the country gradually turns its attention to the 2027 general election.