Former DP Defends Uhuru Kenyatta Amid Political Attacks
Politics Updated: 04 May 2026 09:33 EAT
Democracy for the Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua during a political rally in Ilasit town Kajiado South
Democracy for the Citizens Party Leader Rigathi Gachagua on Sunday held a public engagement forum in Kajiado South, Kajiado County, where he addressed residents on development, national politics and his future presidential ambitions.
Speaking during a church service and later at a roadside rally in Illasit, the former Deputy President focused heavily on stalled water projects in the region, which he said were critical to local farmers.
Gachagua claimed that while in office, he helped mobilise KSh175 million for a dam project intended to support irrigation and improve livelihoods in Kajiado South.
“Nilitafuta pesa 175 million… tukasema hiyo damu itasaidia wakulima sana katika Kajiado South,” he said, referring to the proposed water project.
He, however, alleged that the funds were halted after his exit from government, urging William Ruto to ensure the project is completed.
“Nakuomba kwa heshima… hiyo pesa imetolewa hiyo damu iishe ikamilike ndio iweze kusaidia watu wa sehemu hii,” Gachagua appealed.
The former Deputy President framed the issue as a development concern, calling for leaders to separate political differences from projects that directly benefit wananchi.
Beyond local issues, Gachagua addressed national politics, confirming that members of his Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) had urged him to vie for the presidency in the next general election.
“Watu ya DCP wameniambia nipiganie kiti cha urais na niko hapo,” he said, while signalling openness to a broader opposition arrangement.
He emphasised that his candidacy would not divide the opposition, listing key figures he said would be part of a united front.
Among those he mentioned were Kalonzo Musyoka, Fred Matiang'i, Martha Karua, Eugene Wamalwa and Justin Muturi.
“Hakikisho yangu ni kwamba tutaketi pamoja tutoe kiongozi mmoja wa kupambana na William Ruto uchaguzi ujao,” he stated.
Gachagua said the opposition’s objective remains to field a single presidential candidate, even as individual leaders continue to build their political bases.
“Lengo letu ni kuwa na mgombea mmoja… lakini kila mtu kwa sasa aende kujenga chama chake na kutafuta wafuasi,” he added.
On leadership and democratic rights, Gachagua defended former president Uhuru Kenyatta, saying he is entitled to express his views on national matters.
He called on leaders allied to the government to respect Kenyatta’s constitutional freedoms, including freedom of expression and political choice.
“Rais Uhuru Kenyatta bado ako na haki ya kutoa maoni yake vile Kenya inafaa kuongozwa,” Gachagua said.
He further warned against attempts to intimidate the retired president, including threats to withdraw his retirement benefits.
“Usitishwe… hata wakiondoa marupurupu, ataendelea na maisha yake,” he said, adding that such benefits could be restored in future.
Gachagua also touched on governance issues, cautioning against the involvement of serving government officials in political party activities.
He urged adherence to constitutional principles, saying public servants should remain non-partisan in their roles.
On infrastructure, the former Deputy President highlighted challenges facing Kajiado South, including poor road networks, lack of electricity and water shortages.
He called for accelerated development in the region, urging national leaders to prioritise basic services before seeking political support from residents.
Gachagua also used the platform to popularise the DCP party, encouraging residents to rally behind it as a vehicle for political change.
The Kajiado South engagement forms part of his broader nationwide tour aimed at consolidating support and positioning himself within the opposition ahead of the 2027 elections.
Tags: Azimio La Umoja- One Kenya DCP DCP Leader Rigathi Gachagua Edit Editor's Pick Editors choice Kajiado County News Article One Term One term Political Parties Political Party Political Partys Political Science Political tensions Politics Rigathi Gachagua Wantam Wantam Felix Makona
Share this article
FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD