Uhuru meets Gachagua at cousin’s memorial mass

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua met on Wednesday during the memorial mass of Uhuru’s first cousin, Beatrice Wambui Muturi, at PCEA Nairobi West Church in Lang’ata, Nairobi.

The meeting brought together two leaders whose political relationship has attracted attention amid ongoing efforts to strengthen unity within the Opposition ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Their encounter comes against the backdrop of growing pressure on Opposition leaders to resolve their differences and present a united front against President William Ruto.

Last week, tensions within the Opposition became apparent following fierce exchanges between Gachagua and Jubilee Party presidential candidate Fred Matiang’i.

The disagreements raised concerns about the ability of the political formations to work together as negotiations over a possible joint presidential candidate and coalition arrangements continue.

Gachagua confirmed his attendance at the requiem mass in a statement in which he acknowledged Uhuru and other Opposition leaders who had accompanied him.

Together with the 4th President of Kenya Uhuru Kenyatta, Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, we have arrived at PCEA Nairobi West Church to join the family of Beatrice Wambui Muturi as we bid farewell to the late Beatrice a mother and the heart of the family,” he said.

He invoked Psalm 34:18 to offer comfort to the bereaved family, saying: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

“May God draw near to all who mourn and bring them comfort and strength,” he added.

Also present was former Health Cabinet Secretary Beth Mugo, another of Uhuru’s first cousins, who was seen embracing Gachagua during the gathering.

The requiem mass comes days after Gachagua, Matiang’i and Wiper Patriotic Front (WPF) leader Kalonzo Musyoka held a meeting on Sunday in what was understood to be an attempt to iron out their political differences.

Gachagua represented his Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), while Matiang’i attended as a representative of the Jubilee Party, as the leaders sought to address tensions threatening Opposition cohesion.

Uhuru and Gachagua have also been under pressure to demonstrate publicly that they have put their past political differences behind them, with calls for a public handshake between the two.

Wednesday’s encounter at the funeral, however, was primarily a family gathering, with the former President joining relatives and political leaders in mourning his cousin.