Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua/FILEThe ruling United Democratic Alliance has notified its members and the general public of its intention to formally remove former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua as its deputy party leader and replace him with his successor Kithure Kindiki.
The notice comes just days after the ruling party announced its merger with the Amani National Congress (ANC) and incorporated some of its leaders into its leadership structure.
The notice published Thursday in the Star newspaper was signed by national chairperson Cecily Mbarire and Secretary General Hassan Omar.
“Pursuant to and in accordance with Section 20 (2) of the Political Parties Act, 2011, the United Democratic Alliance Party notifies its members and the general public of the following changes in the office of the Deputy Party Leader on an interim basis,” the notice reads.
Gachagua’s removal will only be binding if and when the Registrar of Political Parties ratifies the resolution, first reached on November 11 by UDA’s national executive committee (NEC).
The NEC resolved to remove Gachagua based on the UDA constitution, which says the deputy party leader should also serve as deputy president.
Gachagua's impeachment on October 17 on multiple grounds, including insubordination to party boss President William Ruto, triggered his ouster as the party’s second-in-command
Ruto appointed Kindiki as deputy president immediately after the Senate overwhelmingly upheld the National Assembly’s decision to impeach the former Mathira MP. Gachagua, however, moved to court to challenge his impeachment.
A three-judge bench is expected to be used this Thursday to mention the case in which over 30 petitions have been filed.
In October last year, UDA top officials had indicated that the party would consider expelling Gachagua altogether should the court uphold his impeachment.
Ruto's allies believe Gachagua’s continued stay in the party, even if reinstated as DP, is untenable as his relationship with the president is reportedly severed.
However, Gachagua’s expulsion from the UDA could likely open another legal battle should he choose to fight to remain as a UDA member, regardless of the outcome of his case, which could also influence the registrar’s decision on party resolution to remove him as deputy party boss.
It is, however, reported that Gachagua is set to launch his party in early February as he lays the ground for the 2027 general elections.
The former DP's allies have confirmed that plans to unveil the political vehicle are complete as Gachagua seeks to affirm his influence in national politics.
He also wants to consolidate his Mount Kenya heartland, which has become restive since his removal from office.
Former Laikipia Woman Representative Catherine Waruguru said the party to be unveiled next month has blue as one of its corporate colours.
"We are ready, and the party will be unveiled next month,'' Waruguru said.
Embakasi North MP James Gakuya also confirmed that plans are almost complete to unveil Gachagua's political vehicle ''in the next few weeks."
"The People's Deputy President will soon, in the next weeks, launch the party that will shake the country's political landscape,'' Gakuya told the Star.
It is unclear if the former DP will acquire an existing party or unveil a newly registered political party.
On Sunday, while attending a church service in Laikipia County, Gachagua disclosed that he would give his followers direction soon.
"In two weeks, I will give you direction and will do it in a live television interview. Currently, I am still consulting, but early next month I will make a pronouncement,'' Gachagua said at Matanya PCEA, Laikipia County.
In his speech after being installed as UDA deputy party boss, Kindiki said he was taking over from Gachagua at a defining moment when the unity of the country had become part of the national discourse.
The DP said he would consult and promote the ideals of the UDA party of uniting the country as he supports the president in running the outfit.
“I was, and I’m still the chief agent for the UDA party. I have not yet handed over the Chief Agent mantle for this party that made me Interior Cabinet Secretary,” he said during the change of guard at the party headquarters, Hustler Plaza.
UDA has rolled out a robust strategy aimed at strengthening its presence across the country following its merger with the Amani National Congress on January 17.
The party said following the merger, former ANC members were incorporated into its leadership structure.
Mbarire said the National Executive Committee (NEC) named Issa Timamy, former ANC Party leader, as its second deputy party leader, while Omboko Milemba will deputise Omar, the secretary general.
Milemba, who is Emuhaya MP, was the ANC's secretary general.
Mbarire said Kevin Lunani would now be the UDA vice chairperson.
Kitutu Chache North MP Japheth Nyakundi was named national treasurer, while Nicodemus Bore was named among three former ANC officials to serve as new UDA Directors.
Mbarire, who serves as the Embu governor, further said that UDA had also incorporated ANC's identity symbols in the new logo, imagery, typography, and brand of the merged party.
The party said it would rebrand ahead of the 2027 General Election.
