Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua says nobody will ever again come between him and retired President Uhuru Kenyatta. People Daily reported that he spoke on Wednesday at PCEA Nairobi West Church in Lang'ata, Nairobi. According to the paper, the remarks signal a renewed relationship after the two fell out ahead of the 2022 General Election.
The two men met at the memorial mass for Beatrice Wambui Muturi, Uhuru's first cousin, The Star reported. In a statement, Gachagua confirmed that he arrived with Uhuru, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa. He said they had come to join the family in bidding farewell to Beatrice, whom he called "a mother and the heart of the family".
Gachagua quoted Psalm 34:18 to comfort the bereaved family. Former Health CS Beth Mugo, another of Uhuru's first cousins, was seen embracing him during the gathering, according to The Star. The paper noted that the service was mainly a family event. Uhuru mourned alongside relatives and political leaders.
The encounter comes at a tense time for the Opposition. Last week, Gachagua and Jubilee Party presidential candidate Fred Matiang'i traded fierce words, The Star reported. The clash raised doubts about whether the parties can work together. Talks on a joint presidential candidate and coalition deals are still under way.
On Sunday, Gachagua, Matiang'i and Kalonzo met in what was understood to be an attempt to iron out their differences. Gachagua represented his Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), while Matiang'i attended for Jubilee. Uhuru and Gachagua have also faced calls to show publicly that they have moved past their old differences, including through a public handshake, according to The Star.