Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has once again trained his guns on former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, this time issuing a blunt message over his alleged association with former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s political faction.
Speaking during a public event, Gachagua declared: “Matiang’i kama anataka amani na mimi, awachane na chama ya Uhuru Kenyatta atengeneze yake!” His statement underscores the ongoing tensions between leaders aligned with President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza government and figures linked to the previous regime.
The Deputy President has long accused Matiang’i of being part of the system that allegedly persecuted Ruto’s allies during Uhuru’s final term in office. According to Gachagua, those who worked closely with Uhuru’s administration must now make a clear political choice—either align with the current leadership or chart their own independent path.
By challenging Matiang’i to “create his own party,” Gachagua is not only questioning his political loyalty but also attempting to draw a clear line between the past and present centers of power. His remarks suggest that as long as Matiang’i remains associated with Uhuru’s political networks, reconciliation will remain elusive.
Political analysts argue that Gachagua’s sharp rhetoric is part of a broader strategy to consolidate his influence within the Mount Kenya region, where Uhuru still enjoys residual support. By painting Matiang’i as an extension of the former president’s camp, Gachagua positions himself as the defender of the current administration’s interests in the region.
For Matiang’i, the message is equally clear: if he intends to play an active role in Kenyan politics, he must either distance himself from Uhuru’s legacy or prepare for constant confrontation with the Deputy President.
Gachagua’s remarks highlight the continuing political realignments in Kenya, where allegiances from the previous regime remain a source of tension. His challenge to Matiang’i is not just personal—it is a reflection of the unfinished battles between Uhuru Kenyatta’s allies and the new order under President Ruto.
