Former President Uhuru Kenyatta and Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua shared a humorous moment during the funeral service of Beatrice Wambui Muturi on Wednesday, as political leaders used the occasion to discuss the need for unity within the opposition ahead of the 2027 General Election. The service, held at PCEA Nairobi West, brought together several prominent political figures, including Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and former Defence Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa. During the gathering, Kenyatta and Gachagua reflected on their previous political relationship, with the former Deputy President declaring that he would not allow anyone to create divisions between them again.
Gachagua Reveals Wambui’s Role in His Business and Political Journey
While paying tribute to the late Beatrice Wambui Muturi, Gachagua spoke about her influence on his personal life, business ventures and political career. He described the deceased as a mentor who introduced him to entrepreneurship and helped him acquire some of the properties he owns, including his Karen residence. Gachagua jokingly disclosed that following his removal from office, he had resorted to selling some of the properties he acquired with Wambui’s assistance to sustain himself.
He also recalled how they worked together during Kenyatta’s first presidential campaign, explaining that their relationship with the former President later experienced difficulties after other individuals allegedly interfered. However, Gachagua said the funeral gathering had provided an opportunity to reaffirm his relationship with Kenyatta. He insisted that no one would again succeed in creating a rift between them.
Gachagua Confesses Spending KSh1.5 Million Meant for Uhuru’s Campaign
In one of the lighter moments during the service, Gachagua admitted that he had spent KSh1.5 million that Wambui had given him to support Kenyatta’s presidential campaign in 2017. He explained that the money was handed to him after the Supreme Court nullified the August 2017 presidential election, paving the way for a repeat election. According to Gachagua, Wambui approached him with the money and asked him to help Kenyatta secure victory in the fresh election.
However, he confessed that he used the funds to address his personal financial needs instead of directing them towards the campaign. His admission prompted a humorous response from Kenyatta, who joked that despite having retired from active politics, he would visit Gachagua’s Wamunyoro residence to recover the money. The exchange attracted attention as the two former political allies appeared comfortable sharing jokes and reflecting on their past experiences.
Uhuru Urges Opposition Leaders to Put Aside Personal Ambitions
Beyond the humorous exchange, Kenyatta used his address to challenge opposition leaders to put aside individual political ambitions and work towards building a united political front. The former President said Kenyans were increasingly interested in seeing opposition leaders coordinate their efforts and establish a common political direction ahead of the next General Election.
He reminded the leaders that the presidency could only be occupied by one person at a time, making compromise and cooperation necessary in political negotiations. Kenyatta mentioned Gachagua, Kalonzo Musyoka, Eugene Wamalwa and other opposition figures, urging them to listen to public concerns and find a way of working together.
He added that his interactions with ordinary Kenyans had convinced him that national unity among opposition leaders was becoming an important public expectation. The former Head of State expressed confidence that the leaders would eventually agree on a common direction, while emphasising that justice must remain a key consideration in efforts to achieve national peace. He maintained that lasting peace could not be achieved without justice.
Gachagua Uses Hyena Story to Reflect on Political Differences
Gachagua also delivered a message through an allegory involving a herder, a hyena and a flock of sheep. Speaking in Kikuyu, the DCP leader narrated a story about a herder who allegedly allowed a hyena into a flock, resulting in the disappearance of two sheep. He explained that warnings about the danger were initially ignored before the situation worsened and he was eventually sent away.
Through the story, Gachagua appeared to reflect on his political experiences and asked whether he would receive support in removing the hyena without putting the remaining sheep at risk. He also praised Kenyatta’s recent remarks, noting the importance of learning from previous political mistakes and listening to guidance from experienced leaders.
Kalonzo Defends Uhuru’s Continued Involvement in Politics
Meanwhile, Kalonzo Musyoka defended Kenyatta’s continued participation in national political discussions, arguing that leaving public office did not take away his right to express opinions about the country’s future. The Wiper Party leader said Kenyatta remained entitled to contribute to conversations concerning national leadership and the challenges facing the country.
Kalonzo also called for opposition unity, saying Kenyans needed leaders who could work together to address the country’s challenges. He described the moment as an opportunity for political leaders to join efforts towards what he termed rescuing the nation-state.
Kalonzo Backs Gen Z’s Right to Political Expression
Kalonzo also addressed concerns surrounding comments advocating the use of force against young protesters, particularly remarks suggesting that Gen Z demonstrators should be shot in the legs. He criticised the sentiments, arguing that young Kenyans had a constitutional right to express their political opinions without facing threats or intimidation.
The Wiper leader said the youth would have an opportunity to express their views through the ballot in the 2027 General Election. He further linked the issue to growing calls among Kenyans for political accountability and changes in national leadership.
Leaders Pay Tribute to Beatrice Wambui Muturi
Away from politics, the leaders remembered Beatrice Wambui Muturi as an influential figure whose contribution extended beyond her immediate family to Kenya’s political history. Kenyatta revealed that Wambui had maintained a close relationship with his mother, Mama Ngina Kenyatta, dating back to the time she joined the family following her marriage to founding President Jomo Kenyatta.
He described her death as a major loss to the extended Kenyatta family, recalling the important role she played in welcoming and supporting Mama Ngina. Kalonzo also honoured Wambui for her contribution to Kenya’s independence struggle, reflecting on the sacrifices made by those who fought for the country’s freedom. The funeral gathering therefore brought together tributes to the late Wambui and conversations about the country’s political future, with Kenyatta’s appeal for opposition unity emerging as one of the key messages of the event.
