As calls for the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua intensify, it appears that former President Uhuru Kenyatta and the broader Kenyatta family have chosen to remain silent. This silence is particularly striking at a time when Gachagua needs Uhuru Kenyatta’s support, along with that of his Jubilee party, to fend off attempts by President William Ruto’s allies to gather votes for his impeachment. Analysts suggest that Uhuru Kenyatta has distanced himself from Gachagua.
Sources indicate that Mr Kenyatta has confided in close associates that, despite Gachagua’s public apology, the family has yet to decide whether to accept it. The Deputy President had been counting on Uhuru’s backing, which has not materialized, partly due to derogatory remarks he made against Uhuru during the last election cycle.
This rift became evident when Jeremiah Kioni, Secretary General of the Jubilee Party, failed to deliver a statement on Uhuru Kenyatta’s behalf during a press conference. Kioni emotionally asserted that claims of forgiveness are false and that Uhuru has not engaged with those who criticized him.
Gachagua may now regret his role in the coup that ousted Uhuru Kenyatta as Jubilee Party leader in favour of MP Sabina Chege. Had the party remained united, the Deputy President could have leveraged that strength to challenge President Ruto’s supporters. Although Gachagua claims to have apologized and suggests that Uhuru and his family have since forgiven him, it seems the family remains resolute in their stance against the Deputy President.
In a surprising turn, Gachagua recently referred to Uhuru Kenyatta as the “kingpin of the mountain,” which raised eyebrows among the public. However, it appears he has misled his supporters about receiving forgiveness. Politically astute, Uhuru is unlikely to collaborate with Gachagua, favouring Raila Odinga instead, as he sees Raila as a more reliable ally in the current political landscape. Analysts believe that Uhuru stands to gain more from Ruto, indicating a preference for collaboration with him over Gachagua.
Furthermore, if forced to choose, Uhuru Kenyatta would likely align with Ruto, given Gachagua’s previous attacks on him. The current political dynamics reflect a cause-and-effect relationship, with Uhuru’s supporters celebrating Gachagua’s struggles. There are also allegations that Gachagua was involved in the raid on Uhuru’s Northland farm, an incident the Kenyatta family cannot easily overlook.
