Good morning,
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has appeared to signal a possible end to his political differences with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, calling on opposition leaders to set aside personal ambitions and disagreements and unite ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during the requiem mass for his first cousin, Beatrice Wambui Muturi, at PCEA Nairobi West Church in Lang’ata on Wednesday, November 11, Uhuru said Kenyans were growing impatient with divisions among opposition leaders and wanted to see them working together to challenge President William Ruto’s administration.
The former Head of State, accompanied by Gachagua, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, and Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa, said the country's political future depended on unity and a common purpose.
He challenged the leaders to listen to ordinary Kenyans, arguing that the public was more interested in seeing them cooperate than engage in political disagreements.
“What has happened in the past is the past. All we must be concerned about as Kenyans is where we are going. What is the future? A brighter future will only be found through unity and strength of purpose,” Uhuru said.
He further reminded the politicians that the presidential seat could only be occupied by one person at a time, seemingly challenging them to put aside their individual ambitions and agree on a common political direction.
However, what attracted even greater political attention was his light-hearted exchange with Gachagua over KSh1.5 million allegedly meant for his 2017 re-election campaign.
Gachagua had revealed that the late Beatrice Wambui Muturi personally delivered the money to him after the Supreme Court nullified the August 2017 presidential election, hoping it would support Uhuru's subsequent campaign.
According to Gachagua, he ended up using the money for personal matters and had been looking for an opportunity to repay the deceased.
Responding to the revelation, Uhuru jokingly threatened to visit Gachagua's Wamunyoro home in Nyeri to collect the money, drawing laughter from those attending the service.
The exchange, coupled with the two leaders appearing together publicly and shaking hands, has sparked fresh speculation about a possible reconciliation between the former political allies.
Their relationship had deteriorated following the 2022 General Election, when Gachagua became President Ruto's deputy, despite previously serving as Uhuru's close political associate.
With opposition leaders including Kalonzo, Gachagua, Fred Matiang'i and Martha Karua eyeing the 2027 presidential contest, questions remain over whether they can overcome their competing ambitions.
Could Uhuru now emerge as the political bridge capable of bringing these heavyweights under one opposition umbrella?
While Wednesday's encounter does not necessarily confirm a formal political agreement, it could mark an important step towards reconciliation.
For an opposition seeking to mount a serious challenge against Ruto in 2027, the bigger test will be whether the renewed calls for unity translate into a common political strategy, shared leadership and, ultimately, one presidential candidate.
Meanwhile, here are stories making headlines on Opera News today;
Ida Odinga, the widow of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, has publicly declared for the first time that she remains firmly in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and the broad-based government.
Speaking in Homa Bay County on Tuesday during the launch of the Gembe Hills Participatory Management Plan in Suba North Subcounty alongside area MP Millie Mabona, Ida stated that Raila had left her positioned within ODM and the national administration, where she intends to stay.
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Meeting Jubilee Party Leader Fred Matiang’i on Wednesday, November 11, visited former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at his home following the death of Gachagua’s elder sister.
Jubilee Party Leader Fred Matiang’i on Wednesday, November 11, visited former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at his home following the death of Gachagua’s elder sister, Eunice Nyangari Gachagua.
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President William Ruto has dismissed former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s claim that Kenyans want opposition leaders to unite, saying Kenyatta should seek opinions from sober people.
Speaking in Kisii County on Wednesday, November 11, Ruto referred to Kenyatta’s account of hearing public opinion while walking around in search of “kauji” (porridge), a term synonymously associated with alcohol.
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