“Smiles, Respect, Hug” Uhuru & Rigathi’s Warm Reunion at Requiem Mass Sets Political Tongues Wagging

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta and DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua greeted each other with a smile, a show of respect and a hug at the requiem Mass of Beatrice Wambui Muturi at PCEA Nairobi West Church.

The two joined family, friends and mourners to bid farewell to Wambui, who died on November 2, 2026, and was Uhuru’s first cousin.

Pictures from the service show calm and friendly body language, with both men greeting each other warmly before joining other mourners.

It was not the first time the two have shared a warm moment at a funeral.

On April 1, they hugged and shook hands after Uhuru arrived at the burial of former Kirinyaga Senator Daniel Karaba, an encounter described as a rare interaction between the two leaders.

The Nation observed that the display was both symbolic and strategic, with political messaging beneath the warmth.

The relationship has changed markedly. Gachagua, who has previously criticised Uhuru publicly, has dismissed calls for mediation between them.

Uhuru, for his part, has allowed his Jubilee Party to join the United Opposition.

Yet the two are also seen as rivals for influence in Mt Kenya, with the Nation framing the region’s post-Ruto politics as a contest between them.

Jubilee aspirants have also complained that only DCP candidates get the microphone at opposition rallies.

Such complaints make moments of visible warmth all the more closely watched.

With the opposition still working to settle on a single candidate for 2027, every handshake, hug and seating arrangement is read for signals about who will lead, and who will follow.

Still, a requiem Mass is first a family occasion.

Beatrice Wambui Muturi was mourned by relatives and friends, and the presence of the two leaders was, above all, a gesture of support for a family in grief.

Others at the service included Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, according to Gachagua.

In Kenyan politics, pictures of former rivals embracing can often say much more than long speeches.

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