Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has revealed his intentions to reconcile with former President Uhuru Kenyatta whom he termed as a friend and elder brother.

Gachagua was previously criticizing Uhuru Kenyatta’s regime, accusing him of being the cause of challenges facing the current Kenya Kwanza government. 

For instance, Gachagua and Uhuru have not been seeing eye to eye since Uhuru left office after the 2022 general elections. 

Uhuru and the deputy president were set to share a podium on February 17, 2024 at the burial service of retired Senior Assistant Inspector General of Police Zachary King’ori Mwangi in Tetu, Nyeri County but they didn’t meet.

Gachagua arrived at the burial in Tetu after Uhuru had already left to attend the burial of Amos Kimunya’s wife Anne in Nyandarua. 

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Speaking during the burial of former assistant police IG, the deputy president expressed his willingness to meet former president Uhuru Kenyatta.

“I was looking forward to meeting my friend, former boss, and my elder brother, President Uhuru Kenyatta,” Gachagua said. 

“I wanted to come and greet him because I have not seen him for a while and tell him it is well,” he added. 

Gachagua explained that the election period was over, adding that Uhuru is a leader who is respected both locally and internationally.

He commended Uhuru Kenyatta for maintaining a dignified silence after his retirement.

“I instructed leaders from this region that I don’t want to hear anyone attacking him verbally.

 “I said let him retire peacefully. If I had met him, I would have told him so,” said Gachagua. 

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Additionally, Gachagua recalled his close relationship with Uhuru, citing the 18 years he served as Uhuru Kenyatta’s personal assistant.

“Myself I stayed with President Uhuru Kenyatta for 18 years as his PA as his confidant and his defender. 

“The years we stayed together as friends are 17. The ones we disagreed are two…. The good outways the bad,” he said.

On the other hand, Uhuru Kenyatta who spoke during the burial of former assistant police King’ori Mwangi, avoided mentioning anything related to politics.