Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has addressed claims suggesting he is the son of the late former President Daniel Arap Moi.
Speaking during an interview with Oga Obinna at his Wamunyoro home in Nyeri on Friday, May 16, 2025, Gachagua acknowledged being aware of the longstanding rumors linking him to Kenya’s second head of state.
However, the former DP dismissed the allegations, stating that they are “intended to demean him” and are “being propagated by individuals seeking to distract him”.
“People say many things and you cannot stop people from saying anything. People can say whatever they want to say. You know when you are in politics people try to demean you, to try to bring you down but not me, I am never bothered with those things. I don’t answer back. They don’t bother me, I’m focused. I don’t get distracted by what I am focused on. I always stick to what I am doing.” Gachagua said.
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Rigathi Gachagua speaks on relationships with Moi and Uhuru
While reflecting on his relationship with the late President, Gachagua revealed that he shared a cordial friendship with Moi and regarded him as a mentor.
He credited Moi with playing an invaluable role in shaping his career and contributing significantly to the person he is today.
“He was a good old man, very fatherly. I used to visit him as a student leader and a district officer. He guided me to a great extent and mentored me into leadership; he was a great man and had an ear to listen. He loved young people and allowed me to serve in his government,” Gachagua added.
The former Deputy President, who launched his new political outfit—the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP)—also spoke about his relationship with former President Uhuru Kenyatta, revealing that he had previously served as his personal assistant.
Referring to Uhuru as his “friend and brother,” Gachagua said he holds him in high regard and greatly respects and values his leadership.
“He is an elder and a senior citizen as a retired president. I do whatever I can do to support him when he’s attacked unnecessarily. I want him to be strong and healthy so that he is available to give advice to me and others who need it now. He knows a lot, and he is quite experienced,” he stated.
Also Read: Gachagua Speaks After Gunshots Were Fired During His Party Launch
2027 elections
While commenting on the nominations for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairperson and commissioners, Gachagua made an appeal to the nominees awaiting parliamentary approval ahead of the 2027 General Election.
He urged the incoming commissioners to act patriotically, warning that any attempts to impose a candidate on Kenyans would be strongly resisted.
Gachagua further noted that the Gen Z movement is a powerful and unstoppable force, expressing confidence that it will play a key role in ensuring President William Ruto becomes a one-term leader.
“I want to implore those commissioners to be Kenyans, to be patriotic, and not to attempt to force William Ruto on the people of Kenya. It will not work, and the people of Kenya will not accept it,” Gachagua said.
“People want change, and they are ready for change; indeed, they are impatient that 2027 is too far away. The mood in the country is that if the IEBC tries to mess with the elections, there would be no country here; 2007 would look like a Christmas party.”
The former DP while unveiling his party on Thursday May 15, branded President Ruto’s administration ‘despotic regime’ and claimed it had failed to listen to Kenyans’ voice.
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