Gachagua Defends Uhuru, Faults Government During Rev. Catherine Macharia Memorial Service in Nakuru
News Updated: 26 May 2026 19:23 EAT
Democracy for the Citizens Party Leader Rigathi Gachagua speaking during the Memorial Service of the late Rev. Catherine Macharia, wife to Bishop Dr. David Macharia,
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Tuesday attended the memorial service of the late Reverend Catherine Macharia, wife to Bishop Dr. David Macharia, the General Overseer of Full Gospel Churches of Kenya, at Kunste Grounds in Nakuru County. The emotional requiem service brought together senior clergy, political leaders, relatives and hundreds of faithful from across the country to mourn the veteran church leader remembered for her dedication to ministry, family and community service. Gachagua attended the service alongside his spouse, Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, and later described Reverend Catherine as a woman who “served God and man” and lived “a life of prayer and sacrifice.”
Speaking during the service, Gachagua expressed sympathy to Bishop David Macharia and his family, describing the loss of Reverend Catherine as painful both personally and spiritually because of the role she played in supporting the ministry of the Full Gospel Churches of Kenya. He said the church had not only lost a preacher but also a pillar who stood firmly beside her husband in ministry work and service to believers across the country.
“Please accept our heartfelt condolences for the loss of your dear wife, the mother to your children and as you have given testimony appeal in your ministry it is very hurting. It is very heavy to lose a spouse and a companion. The General has told us that the Reverend Catherine was a strong pillar in his ministry which means once more he also has lost a strong supporter in the church and his work as he leads this great church. The church of Christ is a very important pillar of our society because when people get in trouble, the first place they run to is their minister is their pastor.”
The former Deputy President used the church gathering to speak on the state of the economy, arguing that ordinary Kenyans were facing severe hardships reflected in the increasing number of people seeking assistance from churches. According to Gachagua, pastors and church ministers have become the true witnesses of the country’s economic struggles because they interact directly with suffering families on a daily basis. He said clergy members understand the pain of Kenyans better than politicians or government reports because they are the first people approached by citizens unable to pay school fees, buy food or meet basic needs.
“If you want to know how a country is performing, you don't need to read the economic survey. You don't need to read books and reports written by the national treasury or how the economy is performing. Just ask the anointed men and women of God how the economy is performing and they tell you because every morning those who have no school fees they knock on their door. Those who have no food, they knock on their door. I am a great proponent of listening to the ground, listening to the Kenyans. If you really want to know what is happening in this Kenya, don't bother the leaders listening to these politicians. Talk to church ministers, talk to pastors and they'll give you first-hand information of exactly what is happening around the country because they live with the people.”
Gachagua also sharply criticised the handling of security matters by the government, particularly referencing the killing of a Presbyterian Church of East Africa minister in Nakuru. He questioned why suspects linked to the incident had not been arrested weeks after the killing despite the existence of CCTV footage allegedly showing police officers entering the cleric’s residence. The former Deputy President accused authorities of attempting to cover up the matter and warned that the country was heading in a dangerous direction if church leaders could no longer feel safe.
“We are still very unhappy that three weeks after the killing of the Reverend of PCA church the people who killed him are still scot-free. CCTV is there showing four police officers getting into his house and staying there for three hours and torturing him. Today there is a cover-up. They have not been arrested. And we are saying if the men of God are not safe, who is safe in this country? Nchi yetu imekuwa nchi ya guns. Huwezi jua polisi na gun tofauti ni gani. It looks like they went benchmarking to know how to work with the gangs because since then, gangs are everywhere.”
During the memorial service, Gachagua appealed for national unity and cautioned political leaders against reviving ethnic tensions, especially in Nakuru County which experienced deadly clashes during previous election periods. He reminded mourners that Nakuru had suffered deeply during the 1992, 1997 and 2007 post-election violence and warned against rhetoric that could divide communities again. He insisted that every Kenyan has the constitutional right to own property and live peacefully anywhere in the country without fear or intimidation.
“Nakuru County has borne the brand of ethnic violence from 1992, 97 and 2007 we don't want to see what happened here in Nakuru ever happen again in this country. Sisi nasema hatutaki jamii yoyote kutishwa Kenya kwa sababu katiba ya Kenya inasema kila mtu ako na uhuru ya kuwa na mali popote katika Jamhuri ya Kenya. I’m asking those leaders wawache to profile a community for no reason. The Kikuyu community is an honorable community that has worked hard in this country that has contributed immensely to the economic development of this country and a community that is loved by other Kenyans.”
The former Deputy President also defended former President Uhuru Kenyatta against criticism from sections of the Kenya Kwanza administration. He said leaders currently in government should stop blaming Uhuru for present challenges and instead focus on delivering on promises made to Kenyans. According to Gachagua, the retired President handed over power constitutionally and deserves respect as a former Head of State. He further dismissed threats directed at opposition voices, saying Kenya remains a constitutional democracy where citizens are free to support leaders of their choice.
“Don't blame Uhuru Kenyatta for your failure. Alipatia nyinyi serikali muendeshe alafu mtapata na raia huko mbele kwa debe. But for now leave Uhuru Kenyatta to be. He is retired but that does not mean he is tired. Don't worry there is no problem with this country. We have a constitutional democracy and everybody has a right kupigia kura ile mtu ambaye unataka. Those threats are empty. Those are empty debes that are making noise.”
Gachagua additionally addressed criticism he has recently received for frequently appearing in public alongside his wife, Pastor Dorcas Rigathi. Speaking before clergy and mourners, he defended the importance of family unity and openly supporting one’s spouse. He argued that marriage and companionship should be valued publicly, particularly by leaders who seek to promote strong moral values in society.
“That's why I also walk around with my wife because it's the right thing to do. Sasa nyinyi kama mungu na siasa mngembiwa na kina Ichung'wah mmekaliwa na mabibi zenu kwa sababu ya kutembea na hawa. Unajua watu wengi wataka kutembea na mabibi zao kwa sababu si watu straight. Sindio? Si watu nini? Straight.”
The memorial service concluded with prayers for Bishop David Macharia, his family and the Full Gospel Churches of Kenya fraternity as mourners celebrated the life and ministry of Reverend Catherine Macharia. Political observers noted that the event once again highlighted the growing use of church gatherings and memorial services as important political platforms ahead of the 2027 General Election, with Gachagua continuing to position himself as one of the administration’s most outspoken critics.
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FELIX MAKONA
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