The public show of camaraderie between former President Uhuru Kenyatta and Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua in Kirinyaga County on Tuesday was as symbolic as it was strategic, laced with thinly veiled political messaging that pointed to a possible reunion ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The two leaders shared a podium for the first time in a long time during the burial of former Kirinyaga Senator Daniel Karaba, in what many observers described as a symbolic thawing of political relations that had remained frosty since the bitter fallout surrounding the 2022 presidential campaigns.
Their interaction amongst the mourners and United Opposition leaders stood in stark contrast to years of political hostility that had defined their relationship.
Their reunion drew visible excitement from opposition leaders present including Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper Patriotic Front), Martha Karua (People’s Liberation Party), Fred Matiang'i (Jubilee) and Eugene Wamalwa (Democratic Action Party), all of whom interpreted the moment as politically consequential.
Mr Kenyatta set the tone with a mix of familiarity and caution, referring to Mr Gachagua as “my brother… Riggy G… from Wamunyoro,” a phrase that immediately softened the years of political hostility between them
Uhuru Kenyatta and Gachagua share a hug after arriving at the burial of Daniel Karaba in Kirinyaga on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
Photo credit: Pool
“I hear people are listening to the ground. While in Ichaweri, I'm also listening to the ground but what I can tell you is that you stand by what you believe. In 2022 you made a mistake and now you are suffering. Please don't repeat the same mistake,” Mr Kenyatta said in remarks widely interpreted as a direct appeal to Mt Kenya voters to reconsider their political choices.
Mr Gachagua who has in recent months styled himself as a defender of the Mt Kenya’s political interests matched Mr Kenyatta’s tone mixing political reconciliation with defiance.
“Who said we can never come together again? President Ruto does not know this community. We gave him votes and he thought he is one of us… thought he knew us… Kenyatta is my elder brother and my kinsman with whom I have a history that Ruto intended to taint,” he said.
Mr Gachagua’s fallout with Kenyatta was marked by intense political hostility, including arrests, legal battles and public exchanges that laid bare deep divisions within the region’s leadership.
The speeches marked a striking departure from the bitter fallout that followed the 2022 elections when Gachagua broke ranks with Kenyatta to back William Ruto, while the former Head of State supported ODM leader Raila Odinga under the Azimio la Umoja coalition.
That political split fractured the Mt Kenya political establishment triggering a bruising contest that saw Mr Gachagua arrested on corruption charges, further escalating the conflict with then outgoing President Kenyatta.
Dr Ruto and Mr Gachagua would rise to presidency in the 2022 polls, with the latter giving Mr Kenyatta a public dress down during their inauguration at Kasarani Stadium before his dramatic impeachment in 2024.
Now, with both leaders appearing to bury the hatchet, the political implications are far reaching.
Uhuru Kenyatta and Gachagua shake hands after arriving at the burial of Daniel Karaba in Kirinyaga on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
Photo credit: Pool
The moment was not lost on other opposition figures with Wiper Patriotic Front leader leader Kalonzo Musyoka describing the reunion as politically unsettling for the government.
“There are certain wings of the government that never imagined this could happen. They will not be amused… They might even send you Kenya Revenue Authority to harass you… Stay put,” he said, in a remark that hinted at the high stakes surrounding the emerging alliance.
DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa welcomed the saying he was “happy to see the two together and also sharing a podium with both United Opposition and Linda Mwananchi stalwarts.”
Siaya Governor James Orengo went further, framing the moment as part of a broader national movement against the current administration.
“We are together with the Mountain in this political battle, Ruto must go,” he declared.
Also present were Martha Karua of People’s Liberation Party, Jubilee’s Fred Matiang'i and Justin Muturi of Democratic Party, all of whom have been part of ongoing discussions to unify the opposition under a single presidential candidate for 2027.
Behind the scenes, however, the coming together of Mr Kenyatta and Mr Gachagua is the culmination of years of quiet negotiations led by elders, clergy and business leaders from the Mt Kenya region. Yesterday, Kikuyu Council of Elders chairman Wachira Kiago confirmed that the meeting was deliberate and part of a broader plan.
“I can confirm to you that this will not end here. It was not accidental. We are following it up with all what needs to be done so that Mr Kenyatta and Mr Gachagua take us to 2027 as a united front. That is what we lacked in 2022,” he said.
Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta (left) and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
For President Ruto, the Kirinyaga optics and the messaging pose a significant political challenge. His 2022 victory was anchored on an overwhelming 87 percent support from Mt Kenya, a bloc that is now showing signs of political fragmentation.
Analysts say that a united front between Mr Kenyatta and Mr Gachagua could fundamentally alter the electoral calculus.
“This is very bad for President Ruto and his loyalists. They were banking on the rivalry of Mr Kenyatta and Mr Gachagua to sneak in a confusion that would favour a split. That door is now slamming shut and President Ruto’s re-election bid is now dangerously rocked,” said political analyst John Okumu.
The stakes are further heightened by the possibility of a broader opposition coalition. Both Kalonzo Musyoka and Fred Matiang'i have emerged as potential presidential candidates with growing indications that the opposition may rally behind a single flag bearer.
Within government circles, the developments have triggered anxiety and quiet repositioning. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki who has been central to Dr Ruto’s Mt Kenya strategy following Gachagua’s impeachment, now faces an uncertain political landscape should the region consolidate under a rival alliance.
On Tuesday while on a tour of Meru, Prof Kindiki himself appeared to acknowledge the shifting dynamics striking a conciliatory tone in recent remarks.
“I am no longer interested in confrontations with my political stakeholders. After we are done with those engagements, we will remain members of this community,” he said, in what analysts interpret as an attempt to recalibrate his political posture.
