The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has dismissed Rigathi Gachagua’s recent resignation from the party, declaring it null and void. In an official statement, UDA claimed that the former Deputy President lost his membership when he was impeached and replaced as the party’s deputy leader.
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Gachagua’s Resignation Declared ‘Mere Theatrics’
According to UDA, Gachagua’s public letter detailing his exit from the ruling party is inconsequential, given that the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) is the legal custodian of party memberships.
“The ruling party, United Democratic Alliance (UDA), officially removed one, Rigathi Gachagua, as its Deputy Party Leader, which automatically revoked his membership. Today’s long paragraphs and ‘exit’ from the party amount to mere theatrics, hence, inconsequential!” the party stated.
Impeachment and Replacement
Gachagua was replaced by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki as UDA’s deputy leader following a decision made during a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on November 11, 2024. The formal communication was made to the ORPP on January 22, 2025.
Read also:Rigathi Gachagua Hints at Political Alliance with Fred Matiang’i Ahead of 2027
Gachagua’s Strong Criticism of Kenya Kwanza
In his resignation letter, Gachagua accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of betraying its 2022 campaign promises. He pointed to failures in agriculture, healthcare, and housing, and described the five pillars of the party’s development agenda—Agriculture, MSMEs, Housing, Healthcare, and the Digital Economy—as “centres of crime with no tangible gains.”
Rigathi Gachagua during a church service at Redeemed Church, Naivasha Town, Nakuru County, March 29, 2025. Photo: Rigathi Gachagua
Political Fallout Within UDA
The rift between Gachagua and President William Ruto’s inner circle has been widening, fueling speculation about internal conflicts within the ruling party. His resignation letter marks a formal break from UDA, although the party insists his membership had long been terminated.
In February 2025, Gachagua held a consultative meeting with political allies at his Wamunyoro residence, fueling speculation about his future political moves and possibly a new alliance ahead of the 2027 general election.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua during a meeting with political allies at Wamunyoro residence, February 22, 2025. Photo: Rigathi Gachagua
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