UDA Finally Ousts Gachagua From Deputy Party Leader Position
Kithure Kindiki has been officially named Deputy Party Leader of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), essentially ending the reign of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Kindiki, who was sworn in as Kenya’s new deputy president at the beginning of November, was officially named UDA’s new designated deputy leader in a statement released by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) on Monday, November 11.
“By virtue of the resolution of the National Assembly and the vote of the Senate and by operations of articles 75 (3) and 45(7) of the constitution, Rigathi Gachagua is unable to perform the duties of the deputy party leader and thus ceases to hold office of the Deputy Party Leader,” the statement read.
“The National Executive Committee has resolved to designate Prof. Kithure Kindiki as the Deputy Party Leader of the United Democratic Alliance Party, effective immediately.”
Statement pic.twitter.com/kUfmpa4QUg
— United Democratic Alliance, UDA. (@UDAKenya) November 11, 2024
However, a party source stated that Gachagua was not expelled and that he had the option of remaining as an ordinary member or leaving the party.
“As of now, the only thing that has been done is the changing of the party leadership,” our source stated.
“Gachagua has just been replaced. A decision on expulsion has not been made. He is free to be a member of our party if he wishes or not.”
The source was further questioned whether Gachagua would have any obligations in UDA going forward, to which he replied that he will only be a normal member.
“He is now an ordinary member. UDA has about 7 million members, 3.5 million of whom are registered voters the other are not registered voters.”
The latest development came only days after Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, the UDA Chair, announced that changes at the top of the party’s hierarchy were likely.
Mbarire delivered the remarks on Friday, November 1, 2024, during the swearing-in ceremony for DP Kindiki, citing the UDA party constitution.
Kindiki also confirmed his new role as UDA deputy during the party’s NEC meeting on Monday.
UDA party Chairperson Governor Cecily Mbarire Declares DP Kithure Kindiki as the Designate UDA Party Deputy Party Leader. Kindiki Received Party's Instruments of Power in the office. Rigathi Gachagua Removed from the position because of the recent improvement. pic.twitter.com/HNs6xmFmNu
— Coletta Aluda (@Colettaaluda_1) November 11, 2024
“I want to thank UDA for the swift changes made to ensure the operations within the party go on without any gaps within the top leadership,” Kindiki said.
He added, “I take this opportunity with humility and promise to work with every organ within our party, firstly as a member. I will continue to be a faithful member of the UDA party.”
ALSO READ:
- Autopsy Report Reveals Dr Obwaka’s Cause of Death
- Gov’t Explains Why Some Civil Servants Are Yet To Be Paid, Cites ‘Payroll Mix-up’
- Sifuna Explains Why He Skipped ODM’s Coast Meetings
- Tanzania’s Suluhu Says Oil Refinery Never Approved, Questions Ruto
- Over 150K Learners Fail To Complete JSS As Stakeholder Put Pressure On CS Ogamba
Rigathi Gachagua’s expulsion from UDA leadership was the latest blow given to the former DP, capping off a difficult six weeks for him.
Since the beginning of October, Gachagua has faced a number of challenges, including defending himself in front of the National Assembly against claims ranging from misuse of power to illegally acquiring properties.
After the Senate voted to impeach Gachagua, the troubled former Mathira constituency MP went to court, exhausting all options to seek an unlikely reversal of his impeachment and save his seat.
Despite a source within the party confirming that Gachagua had not been expelled, it is unclear whether he will remain with UDA as an ordinary member, which is highly improbable.
UDA Finally Ousts Gachagua From Deputy Party Leader Position
