A rare public show of unity between former President Uhuru Kenyatta and Rigathi Gachagua has sparked fresh political speculation, with analysts viewing the moment as a possible shift in alliances ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The two leaders shared a platform in Kirinyaga County during the burial of former senator Daniel Karaba, marking their first joint appearance in years after a bitter fallout during the 2022 campaigns.
Their interaction, which appeared cordial and measured, stood in contrast to their previously strained relationship.
Addressing mourners, Kenyatta struck a reflective tone, referring to Gachagua as “my brother”…Riggy G…from Wamunyoro,” while urging leaders to prioritise unity. “I’m listening to the ground from my home in Ichaweri. The ground is saying that people should unite. They do not want to hear about greed for political seats. They want leaders to unite and work for them.” He added: “What I can tell you is that you must stand by what you believe. In 2022 you made a mistake and now you are suffering. Please do not repeat the same mistake.”
Gachagua responded in a similarly conciliatory yet politically charged tone, signalling openness to renewed cooperation while criticising Wlliam Ruto. “Who said we can never come together again? President Ruto does not understand this community. We gave him votes and he thought he knew us. MrKenyatta is my elder elder brother and kinsman, and we have a history that others sought to undermine, “he said.
The meeting drew attention from several opposition figures, including Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua, Fred Matiang’i and Eugene Wamalwa, many of whom interpreted the moment as politically significant.
Musyoka warned that the development could unsettle sections of the government. “There are those in government who never imagined this could happen. They will not be amused. They might even resort to using State agencies against you. Stay firm,” he said. Wamalwa welcomed the gesture, expressing optimism about a united opposition front.
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James Orengo framed the development within a broader political contest, stating: “We are together with the Mountain in this political contest. Ruto must go.”
Behind the scenes, efforts to mend ties between Kenyatta and Gachagua are said to have been ongoing, involving elders, clergy and business leaders from the Mt Kenya region. Wachira Kiago confirmed that the meeting was deliberate, saying: “I can confirm this was not accidental. It is part of a wider plan to bring Mr Kenyatta and Mr Gachagua together as a united front ahead of 2027. That unity is what was aching in 2022.”
Early signs of reconciliation had emerged during a recent Jubilee Party meeting, where Kenyatta publicly called for restraint in attacks against Gachagua. Subsequent political gestures, including outreach by party officials, further pointed to easing tensions.
The renewed engagement comes against the backdrop of a long-standing rift that followed the 2022 elections, when Kenyatta backed Raila Odinga while Gachagua supported Ruto. The split fractured Mt Kenya politics and contributed to prolonged rivalry, later compounded by Gachagua’s impeachment in 2024.
Analysts say that the apparent rapprochement could significantly reshape the political landscape, particularly in Mt Kenya, a region that played a decisive role in Ruto’s 2022 victory. Political analyst John Okumu noted: “This is a setback for President Ruto and his allies. They had relied on divisions between Mr Kenyatta and Mr Gachagua. That space is narrowing, and it complicates his re-election prospects.”
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