Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has opened up about his experience working with former President Uhuru Kenyatta, describing him as a “good boss to work for.” Speaking during a TV interview on KTN on Sunday, Gachagua reflected on his tenure as Uhuru’s Personal Assistant, a role he held from 2001 to 2006.
According to Gachagua, he was in charge of politics and political mobilisation for Uhuru, who was then making his first attempt at the presidency in 2002. Despite the loss in that election, Gachagua said they viewed it as a strategic move to position Uhuru for future leadership opportunities.
“We knew he wouldn’t win in 2002; it was a strategy to anchor him for bigger things later,” Gachagua explained. He added that after consulting with local leaders, they advised Uhuru not to oppose President Mwai Kibaki but to support his administration instead.
Gachagua praised Uhuru’s decision to back Kibaki in 2006, noting that it eventually paid off when Kibaki became president and appointed Uhuru as deputy prime minister. “We pushed on, and he became president for 10 years. I am proud that I was part of the planning and strategy that made it possible,” he said.
He described Uhuru as self-driven, hardworking, and a good listener, saying their teamwork yielded remarkable results. “We worked very well, and it paid off,” he noted.
However, Gachagua revealed that their paths diverged after fulfilling the mission they had agreed upon. “We had an agreement that I would assist him to become president. Once that was achieved and he was serving his second term, the contract was over. It was time to move on,” he stated.
Gachagua said his decision to pursue other political interests came naturally after Uhuru’s tenure neared its end, adding that there was no bad blood between them.
