MPs close to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua have defended former President Uhuru Kenyatta following sharp criticism directed at him by the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
The lawmakers accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of attempting to silence Uhuru after he criticized the government over the rising cost of living and the state of the economy.
Speaking during an education fundraiser in Gikondi, Mukurweini Constituency, the MPs dismissed a recent UDA statement that accused the former president of working against President William Ruto’s administration.
Naivasha MP Jane Kihara claimed the letter reflected President Ruto’s position and questioned why Uhuru was being criticised for speaking out.
“You should have given that letter to Ruto to sign. We know you cannot write to Uhuru without instructions from Ruto. Why don’t you want Uhuru to speak? Has he become dumb because he retired?” said Kihara.
The lawmakers defended Uhuru’s leadership record while accusing the current administration of failing to address challenges facing ordinary Kenyans.
Mukurweini MP John Kaguchia claimed the country had become less stable compared to when Uhuru left office.
“You have ruined this country. Uhuru left a stable nation where children could safely go to school. Today, 23 children disappear every day. That is why, even though we were elected through that party, we left,” he said.
The leaders also criticised UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar over remarks they described as divisive and targeting the Mt Kenya community.
Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia said the community would not apologise for its identity or political position.
“We are unapologetically Kikuyus. We did not choose where we were born. We found ourselves in Mt Kenya and we are proud of it. We will walk with our heads high and proudly say we are Kikuyus. We survive through our own hard work,” she said.
Laikipia Senator John Kinyua defended the right of Kenyans to own property and settle in any part of the country, dismissing claims that some communities had unfairly acquired land in other regions.
“In the Coast region, where they claim we grabbed land, we bought it with our own money and sweat. We live in Nakuru, Nyeri, Laikipia and Mombasa because the Constitution allows every Kenyan to live anywhere in the country,” he noted.
The leaders further accused the government and security agencies of failing to address violence witnessed during recent protests in the Mt Kenya region.
Muhia alleged that there were attempts to create political tension ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“We know your plan, to create chaos and blame Kikuyus for the protests while fueling the violence yourselves, then cause more chaos during the 2027 elections. That confusion will not happen in Kenya. I urge our youth and elders to stay alert,” she said.
Kaguchia also warned against any attempts to interfere with the electoral process.
“You will not steal votes. The votes cast by Kenyans are the ones that will count. If Ruto loses, he should go back to Sugoi,” he said.
The remarks come amid growing political tensions between leaders allied to the government and those associated with Gachagua, as debate over the country’s economic situation and political direction continues to dominate national discussions.
