The New Democrats’ party leader Thuo Mathenge has said that Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has not acquired the party as a section of the media had reported.
Speaking to Star Newspaper on Thursday, Thuo said that the New Democrats Party is intact but open for all members of the public to join including Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
He termed the party as the most popular in Mount Kenya, noting that it will revolutionise the region's politics in 2027.
"As TND party leader, I want to clarify that nobody, including Gachagua, as alleged, has taken ownership of the party. However, he (Gachagua) is warmly welcomed to join. If anyone else outside is willing to join TND, please come forward. This party will play a crucial role in uniting the GEMA community ahead of 2027," Thuo said.
He noted that the party is currently engaging in membership registration drive across the Country noting that notable individuals have expressed interest to join.
Thuo further rejected the claim made by Gachagua's communication team that the TND party has dubious affiliations, stating that none of its members exhibited questionable character.
He further confirmed that the party will be holding a national delegates conference to deliberate and elect a deputy party leader following the recent resignation of Jimmy Kibaki.
Thuo said that the council officially received Kibaki’s resignation letter noting that he (Jimmy Kibaki) did nothing wrong and served the party well during his tenure.
"Yes, Jimmy Kibaki resigned as deputy party leader, and we will be holding an NDC meeting soon to select his appropriate successor. All political parties have the clause of joining and leaving the party and it's well stipulated and allowed by the registrar of political parties in Kenya," Thuo said.
In a statement to the media, Jimmy said he was leaving The New Democrats party “after a lot of thought, consideration and soul-searching.”
He joined the party in 2021 and immediately got appointed as the deputy party leader.
“At this time in my life, it has become apparent to me that I need to devote all my time to urgent family and business matters that require my full attention. Consequently, and after a lot of thought, consideration, and soul-searching, it is incumbent upon me to tender my immediate resignation as the TND Deputy Party Leader. This is not an easy decision, but I feel it is one I must make.”
Jimmy said he has been directly involved in the political dynamics in the country since the re-introduction of multiparty politics, explaining that he worked closely with like-minded people to propel his father to power in 2002.