Gakuya: Uhuru’s call on Gachagua reshapes opposition talks
By Aloys Michael, November 11, 2025Embakasi North Member of Parliament James Gakuya has backed former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s stern warning to leaders attacking former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, calling it a bold move that could reshape the country’s 2027 succession battle.
Speaking in an interview on a local TV station on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, Gakuya described Uhuru’s remarks as a much-needed show of leadership and clarity amid a deeply fractured opposition, signalling fresh realignments ahead of the next general election.
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“It is great that Uhuru Kenyatta gave direction to leaders to stop insulting Gachagua and instead focus on selling their ideologies. He will play a very big role now that we know where he stands,” he stated.
This comes amid growing concerns over the future of the United Opposition on who will be its flagbearer in efforts to unseat President William Ruto in the 2027 General Elections.
Although the opposition brigades insist that they are united, tension is glaring after the Jubilee Party endorsed former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i as its presidential candidate.
But, on his part, Gakuya noted that Uhuru’s pronouncement had ended months of speculation about his political stance, particularly after his silence on Gachagua and growing tensions within the opposition coalition.
“Before that pronouncement, there had been a lot of speculation, especially among those who backed his political outfit. His words settled the dust. They gave direction to his party and drew a clear line on where he stands politically,” the MP explained.
According to Gakuya, Uhuru’s acknowledgement of Gachagua by name was symbolic, marking the first time the former president publicly addressed the former deputy since their fallout ahead of the 2022 general election.
“It seems that he has crossed that particular bridge. The speculation that he might be working with the current head of state has been cleared. His message drew a demarcation on where his party stands,” the legislator stated.
Gakuya added that Uhuru’s renewed visibility in the opposition could bring stability to the coalition, which has been marred by internal wrangles and conflicting presidential ambitions.
“Having been the chairman of Azimio, his plan now seems not to reorganise the whole team but to make it more organised. He will play a big role because he has the experience and understands how to bring people together,” he said.
What Uhuru said
The former Head of State cautioned leaders within his party against hurling insults at other leaders.
Speaking during a grassroots party meeting in Thika Greens on Friday, 7, 2025, Uhuru urged leaders to popularise the party’s policies and ideals instead of trading personal insults with their political adversaries.
Further, Uhuru cautioned Jubilee members against attacking opposition leaders such as Gachagua under the guise of defending the party, warning that such behaviour could lead to the politician being kicked out of the party.
” I’ll tell you this, Secretary General (Jeremiah) Kioni, the habit of constantly reacting to what’s been said on social media, whereby they say they’re defending the party but are attacking Gachagua and others, I don’t want that behaviour,” he said.
” Do you hear me? We don’t want these battles. Politicians are free to choose which party they belong to and the leaders they want. If I see anyone continuing with that behaviour, I won’t hesitate to kick them out.”
The former president also urged Gen Zs to take up leadership roles to participate in the country’s transformation.
“Gen Zs must be given an opportunity to take positions of leadership so that they choose for themselves the Kenya they want to live in. Wafunguliwe nafasi,” he said.