Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has recently disclosed that he has mended fences with former President Uhuru Kenyatta and his mother, Mama Ngina Kenyatta. This reconciliation marks a notable shift from the acrimonious exchanges that characterized their relationship during the 2022 General Elections.
A Public Apology
Speaking to vernacular stations, Gachagua revealed that his relationship with Uhuru Kenyatta has transformed into one of friendship and collaboration. This change followed Gachagua’s public apology in March 2024, where he expressed remorse for his actions and statements during the election period.
“Uhuru, Mama Ngina, and the mountain people accepted my apology. Uhuru became my friend, and besides speaking more often, there are things we are doing together,” Gachagua shared during a media roundtable. This admission highlights a new chapter of cooperation and mutual respect, moving past the contentious episodes of the past.
The Apology: A Turning Point
The Deputy President’s apology in March was a critical moment in this reconciliation. During an interview with Kameme TV, Gachagua expressed deep regret for involving Mama Ngina Kenyatta in the political fray of the 2022 elections. “I am sorry for involving Mama Ngina Kenyatta in the last general elections politics. She is our mother. I therefore ask for forgiveness on behalf of our team for any inconvenience caused to her. I will never allow anyone to demean her or anyone from the region,” he stated.
This apology was not just a personal act of contrition but also a symbolic gesture aimed at healing political rifts within the region. Gachagua acknowledged the long-standing relationship he had with Uhuru Kenyatta, highlighting that they had worked together for 17 years and had only experienced discord for two years. “The former President Uhuru Kenyatta is our son. We worked together for 17 years and only disagreed for 2 years and now that’s the past. I pray for him in his retirement. Uhuru is one of us. We shall talk with everyone,” he added.
Moving Forward
Gachagua’s statements indicate a commitment to unity and cooperation moving forward. The Deputy President emphasized that he and Uhuru Kenyatta are now engaged in various activities together, signaling a collaborative approach to addressing issues within their region. This newfound alliance could have significant implications for the political dynamics in Kenya, particularly in the Mt Kenya region, where both leaders hold substantial influence.
Past Contentions
The reconciliation is especially noteworthy given the history of public spats between Gachagua and Mama Ngina. In one notable instance, Gachagua had called for Mama Ngina to surrender half of the Kenyatta land estate to the Mau Mau and their descendants, alleging that the land had been acquired improperly. Such statements had further strained the relationship between the Deputy President and the former First Family.
By extending an olive branch and publicly apologizing, Gachagua has taken a substantial step towards mending these rifts. The acceptance of his apology by Mama Ngina and Uhuru Kenyatta reflects a willingness on their part to move past previous grievances and work towards a more harmonious future.
Conclusion
The reconciliation between Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and the Kenyatta family marks a significant moment in Kenyan politics. It underscores the power of apology and the importance of unity in overcoming past disputes. As Gachagua and Uhuru Kenyatta embark on this new chapter of collaboration, their efforts could pave the way for a more cohesive and productive political environment in the region. This development also serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of personal and political relationships in shaping the broader political landscape.
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