Moses Kuria shares cryptic message after Uhuru fails to mention Gachagua
This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.
- Former President Uhuru Kenyatta attended a memorial for the late VP Michael Wamalwa Kijana in Kitale, where he addressed claims about funding the Opposition
- Uhuru named Kalonzo Musyoka, Fred Matiang'i, Edwin Sifuna, and even William Ruto as 2027 contenders but notably left out Rigathi Gachagua
- Former CS Moses Kuria pointed out the omission of Gachagua, claiming it was deliberate and signalled a deeper rift between the two Mt Kenya leaders
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has flatly denied claims that he is bankrolling opposition politicians ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Uhuru spoke on Saturday in Kitale, where leaders converged to mark 23 years since the death of former Vice President Michael Wamalwa Kijana, Kenya's eighth vice president.
Uhuru Responds to Ruto's Accusations
The occasion came days after Ruto publicly accused his predecessor of financing opposition figures including Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, ODM's Edwin Sifuna, and former Interior CS Fred Matiang'i.
Ruto had also claimed that repeated attempts to bring Uhuru into the fold of his administration had failed, and questioned why the former president appeared determined to see him removed from power in 2027.
Responding to those remarks, Uhuru insisted that the choice of Kenya's next president rests entirely with the electorate and not with him personally. He listed several names that Kenyans would have to weigh up when the time comes.
"Wananchi ndio wataamua. Wakisema wanataka Kalonzo ni Kalonzo, wakisema wanataka Ruto ni Ruto, wakisema wanataka Matiang'i ni Matiang'i, wakiamua wanataka Sifuna ni Sifuna," Uhuru said, adding that he did not wish to be characterised as a political sponsor.
Gachagua's Absence From Uhuru's List Raises Eyebrows
Political observers quickly noted that Uhuru's roll-call of potential 2027 presidential candidates conspicuously excluded former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, widely regarded as a significant force in the Mt Kenya political bloc.
Former Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria was among the first to highlight the omission, arguing it was not accidental. Kuria suggested the snub pointed to an unresolved tension between Uhuru and Gachagua.
"My brother, Uhuru Kenyatta. You forgot Rigathi Gachagua. I am sure it was an unintentional oversight," he said.
Gachagua, for his part, has maintained that his relationship with Uhuru remains cordial, and has previously stated his intention to collaborate with the former president in efforts to challenge Ruto's re-election bid.
Kalonzo Pays Tribute to Wamalwa
Also present at the Kitale event, Kalonzo Musyoka paid tribute to the late VP, describing him as a statesman and liberation hero whose vision for Kenya remains unfinished.
"Today we gathered at the Wamalwa Kijana Memorial Home, Kitale, to mark 23 years since the passing of H.E. Michael Kijana Wamalwa — statesman, liberation hero, and Kenya's 8th Vice President. This is not just a memorial. It is a call to finish the work he started: a Kenya that is united, free, just, and prosperous for all her children," Kalonzo said.
He also addressed the Wamalwa family and the broader Mulembe nation, saying: "Kijana Wamalwa, your stars still light our sky. We who still walk this road will keep looking up at them, until the Kenya you dreamed of finally comes to be."
Source: TUKO.co.ke
Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.