{
  "id": 2770961,
  "title": "Gachagua defends Uhuru, claims he has rejected Ruto’s handshake",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/gachagua-defends-uhuru-claims-he-has-rejected-rutos-handshake",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-23T10:52:06.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "People Daily Kenya",
    "slug": "people-daily-kenya",
    "url": "https://peopledaily.digital/inside-politics/gachagua-defends-uhuru-claims-he-has-rejected-rutos-handshake"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua urged President William Ruto to cease efforts to locate retired President Uhuru Kenyatta in his own residence, criticizing attempts to split the Mt Kenya region ahead of the 2027 General Election. Addressing a church service in Nyeri County on August 23, 2026, Gachagua emphasized the need for political leaders from the region to unite people rather than create divisions. He also defended Uhuru against reports of a potential political reconciliation with Ruto, stating that the retired president made the right decision to reject a handshake with his successor. Gachagua maintained that efforts to fragment the region would fail, asserting that the mountain must remain politically united. He further indicated his engagements with leaders from Lower Eastern and planned to connect with Isiolo and Marsabit leaders, positioning these as part of the Mt Kenya North bloc. His statements emerged amid heightened political mobilization across the country in the lead-up to the 2027 elections. Gachagua also addressed the political dynamics between Uhuru and Ruto, objecting to attempts to involve the retired president in the current administration's political conflicts. He remarked, \"Uhuru amekataa kufanya handshake na William Ruto. Umefanya vizuri kukataa handshake,\" and questioned Ruto's pursuit of Uhuru's political involvement, stating, \"You pretend for looking for him, Ruto.\" These remarks echo his previous criticism of Ruto over references to an unnamed political supporter backing his opponents. In a church service in Gatundu South on August 16, 2026, Gachagua similarly advised Ruto to leave Uhuru alone, asserting that the former president is not responsible for the current administration's challenges. \"I want to tell William Ruto to be here at the house of President Uhuru Kenyatta, please meet with President Uhuru Kenyatta,\" Gachagua stated. \"President Uhuru Kenyatta does not cause those problems you claim; you create them for yourself.\" Gachagua's latest comments underscore the escalating political battle over the Mt Kenya region as various parties and leaders prepare for the 2027 General Election.",
  "summary": "Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has told President William Ruto to stop looking for retired President Uhuru Kenyatta in his own home, as he criticised attempts to divide the Mt Kenya region ahead of the 2027 General Election. Speaking during a church service in Nyeri County on Sunday, August 23, 2026, Gachagua said the Mt […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Nation Africa",
        "title": "My problem with Uhuru: Ruto lifts lid on how ex-boss snubbed repeated push to reconcile",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/my-problem-with-uhuru-ruto-lifts-lid-on-how-ex-boss-snubbed-repeated",
        "published": "2026-08-23T03:00:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Standard Kenya",
        "title": "Uhuru hits back at Ruto: Kenyans will choose their president in 2027",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/uhuru-hits-back-at-ruto-kenyans-will-choose-their-president-in-2027",
        "published": "2026-08-23T11:12:23.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}