Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Sunday launched a scathing defense of former President Uhuru Kenyatta, calling out President William Ruto and his allies for what he termed as a sustained campaign of political disrespect.
During a thanksgiving service at his Wamunyoro home in Nyeri County, Gachagua accused key members of Ruto’s inner circle, including State House operative Farouk Kibet and National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, of being used to attack Kenyatta.
“Umetuma vibaraka yako hawa akina Farouk na huyu mwingine Ichung’wah, kwenda kutusi kijana yetu, Rais wa Nne — wakome,” Gachagua said, warning that further attacks would not be tolerated.
He challenged the President to stop hiding behind his allies and face Kenyatta directly if he had a problem with him.
“We want to tell President Ruto that kama yeye ni mwanaume, usitume watu, umtusi wewe mwenyewe.”
In one of the strongest warnings yet, Gachagua threatened political retaliation should Ruto continue targeting the former president.
“Ukitumia vijana kutukana Rais, wakati utakuja hapa tena, nitaambia watu wakutukane.”
Gachagua pledged to personally protect Kenyatta from political attacks.
“Kuanzia leo, mimi nitakuwa mlinzi mkuu wa Uhuru,” he said, drawing applause from the crowd.
Gachagua also issued a direct warning to the President, stating:
“William Ruto, you know me… you know me. Ukitumia hiyo vijana kutukana Uhuru Kenyatta, hawa vijana watakutimua.”
Other leaders present at the event echoed Gachagua’s sentiments.
Kathiani MP Robert Mbui urged Kenya Kwanza leaders to exercise restraint and stop maligning the former President, while Embakasi Central MP Benjamin Gathiru warned Ruto allies to “stop insulting Uhuru” and “accord him the dignity he deserves.”
However, as Gachagua and his allies defended Kenyatta, senior government figures continued their own offensive.
Speaking in Garissa, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale accused the former President of attempting to incite a youth-led uprising and warned that such conduct would tarnish his legacy as a statesman.
Tensions have been rising since Saturday, when Kenyatta, speaking at a wedding ceremony for David Kimoi — son of former Baringo Senator Gideon Moi — made veiled remarks criticizing the Ruto administration for being unable to handle youth pressure.
“When young people talk, they panic,” Kenyatta said, contrasting the current leadership with that of the late President Daniel Moi, who, he noted, was never afraid of youth voices.
The former President’s recent remarks — along with his calls for youth-led political change — have drawn fire from Ruto’s allies, who accuse him of hypocrisy.
Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa recently accused Kenyatta of sidelining young people during his presidency, pointing to his appointment of 91-year-old Moody Awori to head the Sports Fund.
