Gachgaua: My relationship with Uhuru is already strong, no handshake needed

Former DP Rigathi Gachagua speaks during an interview with Ramogi TV on March 25, 2026

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has dismissed ongoing speculation about a possible political handshake with retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, insisting that no such arrangement is necessary as the two already enjoy a close personal relationship.

Speaking during a podcast interview on Friday evening, the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader expressed surprise at the continued calls for reconciliation between him and the former Head of State.

“I’m shocked people keep on saying we need to do a handshake with (former) President Uhuru Kenyatta. A handshake for what? We are brothers,” Gachagua said.

He explained that his relationship with Uhuru spans several years, dating back to the time he served as the retired president’s personal assistant for seven years.

According to Gachagua, the bond between them goes beyond politics, with both families maintaining close ties over time.

“Uhuru and I are brothers. He is my elder brother. I served as his personal assistant for seven years. I believed in him and his leadership. He has come to my home, I have been to his home, and our children are friends,” he said.

However, Gachagua acknowledged that their relationship faced a major test during the politically charged period leading up to the 2022 General Election, when he backed President William Ruto instead of Uhuru’s preferred candidate, Raila Odinga.

He described the fallout as intense but noted that such disagreements are part of political competition.

“Along the way in politics, when I decided to support William Ruto against his wish, we differed politically, and it was very acrimonious, as it goes in politics. But when Ruto won, and Raila Odinga lost, that was over,” he explained.

Gachagua further disclosed that he took the initiative to repair their relationship after the elections by reaching out to Uhuru and offering an apology for any remarks that may have caused offence.

“It was me who took the first step to apologise to (former) President Uhuru for whatever I would have said that offended him, and it was forgiven,” he stated.

He maintained that there is currently no bad blood between them, dismissing the ongoing public discourse around a possible handshake as unnecessary.

“You cannot keep asking whether you are in good books with your brother. We are brothers, and we have had a long political history, and today Uhuru Kenyatta is retired,” he said.

Gachagua also described himself as a strong defender of the retired president, noting that he often comes to his defence whenever he is criticised publicly.

“Anytime he is attacked, I defend him because I believe he is a statesman who did 10 good years and served this country well. We need to let him retire in peace,” Gachagua said.

His remarks come amid growing political realignments and speculation over potential alliances as the country begins to look ahead to the 2027 General Election.