Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has admitted spending KSh1.5 million that had been given to him to support former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s 2017 re-election campaign, prompting a humorous response from the retired Head of State.
The revelation came on Wednesday, November 11, during the requiem mass of the late Beatrice Wambui Muturi, Uhuru’s first cousin, at PCEA Nairobi West Church in Nairobi.
Recounting events surrounding the Supreme Court’s annulment of the August 2017 presidential election, Gachagua revealed that Wambui had personally visited his home carrying KSh1.5 million in a nylon paper bag, instructing him to use the money to support Uhuru’s campaign in the subsequent repeat election.
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However, Gachagua confessed that he diverted the money to settle his personal financial obligations after spending heavily during the initial election campaign.
“Lakini mimi nilikuwa broke; we had just come from an election. Sasa ile pesa ya mama ya kusaidia ndugu yangu Uhuru Kenyatta kwanza nikafunika nayo mashimo,” Gachagua said, drawing laughter from mourners.
He further admitted that he still considered himself indebted to the late Wambui, saying he had intended to repay her but never managed to find her.
“Huyu mama niko na deni yake, karibu nimlipe lakini sikumpata,” he added.
Uhuru’s Light-Hearted Response: ‘Nitakuja Wamunyoro Kucollect’
Uhuru, who was present during the service, took Gachagua’s confession in good humour, joking that he would personally visit the former Deputy President’s Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri to collect the money.
“Nimesikia Riggy G akisema alipewa KSh1.5 million ya kupeleka kwa campaign yangu, nitakuja huko Wamunyoro kucollect hiyo. Hiyo utarudisha,” Uhuru joked, drawing laughter from the congregation.
Gachagua also reaffirmed his relationship with Uhuru, declaring that he would never again allow anyone to come between them after years of political differences.
Uhuru, meanwhile, urged opposition leaders to put aside personal ambitions and work together ahead of the 2027 General Election, reminding them that only one person can occupy the presidency at a time.
Among those present were Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa.
Matiang’i, Kalonzo Visit Gachagua After Sister’s Death
Meanwhile, Jubilee leader Fred Matiang’i, accompanied by Nairobi County Chief Environment Officer Geoffrey Mosiria, visited Gachagua at his Karen residence to condole with him following the death of his firstborn sister, Eunice Nyangari.
Kalonzo Musyoka also visited the former Deputy President following the family loss.
The visits bring together prominent opposition figures at a difficult moment for Gachagua, as political engagements ahead of the 2027 elections continue.
