Gachagua Admits Using 1.5M Meant For Uhuru's 2017 Campaign for Personal Debts

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua With Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has confessed to a surprising detail from 2017. He says he spent Ksh1.5 million meant for Uhuru Kenyatta's campaign on his own debts.

The money came from Beatrice Wambui Muturi, a first cousin of Uhuru Kenyatta. She delivered the cash to Gachagua's home in a nylon bag. Gachagua says she wanted the funds to help secure a win in the repeat election.

Muturi died before Gachagua could repay her. He says he never found the chance to return the money.

The admission came during the requiem mass at PCEA Nairobi West Church on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta attended the service and joked about collecting the money. He said Gachagua would need to hand it back.

The story goes back to the 2017 election cycle. The Supreme Court annulled the August vote in September that year.

The court ordered a repeat poll, which Uhuru won on October 26, 2017. Raila Odinga boycotted that rerun, and Uhuru later took office for a second term.

Gachagua's confession has raised fresh questions about how campaign funds are handled. Donors expect their gifts to reach the cause they support. Public trust depends on clear records and honest use of money.

Observers may see the admission as a blow to Gachagua's image. Rivals could use the story to question his judgment in the 2027 race.

The exchange also showed a lighter side of an otherwise bitter rivalry. Both men attended the same service, despite recent public clashes.

Uhuru has also called on opposition leaders to unite before 2027. He urged them to field one candidate and stop their infighting.

The requiem mass drew political figures from across the opposition. Kalonzo Musyoka and Eugene Wamalwa were among those who attended.

Gachagua said he still feels he owes Muturi a debt. The fate of that money now sits at the centre of a public conversation.

Gachagua's story closes a chapter from 2017 but opens debate about accountability. Kenyans will now weigh his honesty against his long political record.