Uhuru & I Had Good Relationship Before Ruto Ruined It: Gachagua
Gachagua reflected on their past close bond and admitted that letting President William Ruto come between them was a major misstep
Viral Tea Ke Writer 
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua spoke out regarding the fallout with former President Uhuru Kenyatta, lamenting that he deeply regrets how things turned out.
In an emotional tell-all interview on Obinna Show on Friday, May 16, Gachagua reflected on their past close bond and admitted that letting President William Ruto come between them was a major misstep, both personally and politically.
"Uhuru is my friend and brother. We achieved what we desired for him to be president. Between 2013 and 2017, we had the best relationship," he recounted.
"Until Ruto came between us. He (Uhuru) was very nice to me. We had an extremely good relationship. And I really regret that I allowed Ruto to get between me and Uhuru."
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta consoles the late Nderitu Gachagua's brother, Rigathi Gachagua, on arrival at Hiriga in Nyeri on March 6, 2017. /JOSEPH KANYI
Gachagua shared that it was actually Uhuru who first connected him with Ruto, and he backed Ruto’s presidential bid at first because he felt it was only fair, especially since Uhuru seemed hesitant to support his own deputy at the time.
In an uncommon display of humility, the former deputy president commended Uhuru’s leadership, voicing respect for his insight and acknowledging his ongoing influence in national affairs.
"I believed it was unfair that Uhuru didn't want Ruto to be president. Today I know differently. Uhuru was right. I had poor judgment.
"I cherish his leadership. I have tremendous respect for him as an elder and senior citizen. I wish him a peaceful and enjoyable retirement. When he is attacked unnecessarily, I defend and protect him," he continued.
Gachagua was once one of Uhuru’s close political allies, with their bond rooted in shared interests in the Mt Kenya region, where he strongly backed Uhuru’s leadership. However, things took a turn after the 2017 elections, when Uhuru began to distance himself from then-Deputy President William Ruto, who is now the president.
As tensions between Uhuru and Ruto escalated, Gachagua consistently threw his support behind Ruto, accusing Uhuru of turning against Ruto and his allies after winning his second term.
In a surprising admission, Gachagua revealed that much of his support for Ruto stemmed from Ruto’s relentless appeals—and confessed he never thought their political alliance would eventually fall apart.
Gachagua admitted that their political split was painful and revealed that Uhuru felt a deep sense of betrayal following their fallout after the 2022 general election.
"He took it heavy when we 'betrayed' him. He felt I needed to believe him — that Ruto is a bad man. Had I listened to him, this country would not be in the hole we are in," said Gachagua.
President William Ruto and Uhuru Kenyatta on December 9, 2024. /UHURU KENYATTA
