Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua may have delayed unveiling his new political party, originally promised by February 2, due to strategic considerations.
Gachagua was expected to announce the party by Sunday but missed his self-imposed deadline, citing the need for further consultations.
It has emerged that the identity of his political vehicle may take longer to finalize, as he has indicated he requires additional time to complete his ongoing discussions.
The former DP has scheduled an interview with all Mount Kenya vernacular stations on February 9 to explain to his supporters why he needs more time before officially launching the party.
During a church service in Nanyuki on January 19, Gachagua stated that he would reveal the name of his party within 14 days.
"In two weeks, I will provide direction, and I will do so in a live television interview. I am still consulting, but early next month, I will make a pronouncement," he said at Matanya PCEA, Laikipia County.
However, on Sunday, Gachagua explained that the delay was due to overwhelming interest in the party from across the country.
Initially, he had expected it to appeal primarily to the Mount Kenya region but realized it had garnered nationwide attention following his Wamunyoro consultations.
"I am late in announcing Mount Kenya's direction, and I apologize. I thought only the mountain was interested, but the goodwill is overwhelming, with interest coming from across the country," he said in Mathioya, Murang’a County.
He added, "On Sunday, February 9, 2025, I will gather all Mount Kenya vernacular media stations so they can air my interim report on our political direction. I will also ask for more time to continue gathering views."
Gachagua’s team is reportedly finalizing the acquisition of an existing political party, which is currently undergoing rebranding before its official launch.
The delay is intended to ensure proper timing and prevent any political manoeuvring aimed at undermining him.
The former Deputy President has emphasized that his new party will be a formidable force in Kenyan politics.
During the recent launch of the new DAP-Kenya party headquarters in Karen, Nairobi, Gachagua stated that his movement would shake up the political landscape and diminish the influence of some existing parties.
"Hivi karibuni (soon), we will unveil our movement. It is a serious and national movement, but its home is the mountain," he said.
Gachagua revealed that plans to form the party began after his impeachment in October last year, which led to his expulsion from government.
Once a key ally of President William Ruto, he played a crucial role in UDA’s victory in the August 2022 presidential election.
However, following his impeachment, he was removed as UDA’s deputy party leader and replaced by his successor, Kithure Kindiki.
He lamented that Mount Kenya now lacks a political party of its own, as the region joined the government without a dedicated political vehicle.
"The people from the mountain say they went to a wedding with a hired vehicle. When they reached the river, they were told to disembark. Now, we are looking for our vehicle," he said.
While under immense pressure to announce the party soon, Gachagua assured that it would be unveiled in a few weeks.
"If you knew the pressure I am under to announce this party, you’d understand—I’m not sleeping. People are impatient, and they don’t want to see anything yellow anymore," he remarked.
He emphasized that the new party will have a national outlook and will be open to coalitions with like-minded political groups as the country prepares for the next general election.
"It will be a big vehicle for all Kenyans. We want to join forces with others and contribute positively to the country. Nobody should accuse us of being tribal—we are simply strengthening our base. It would be foolish to go to the national table without first organizing your own house."
Gachagua also signalled his ambition to expand the party’s reach beyond the Mount Kenya region.
