UDA announces plan to replace Rigathi Gachagua as deputy party leader

Secretary General of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party Hassan Omar. (UDA)

By Lucy Mumbi
Tuesday, October 29, 2024

Hassan said the UDA's National Executive Committee (NEC) is waiting on the court's decision before proceeding with the appointment of Kithure Kindiki as the new Deputy Party Leader.

The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party has announced plans to replace impeached deputy president Rigathi Gachagua as the deputy party leader.

UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar confirmed on Tuesday that the party is prepared to reshuffle its top leadership once the court delivers its decision on Gachagua's impeachment.

More To Read

Hassan said the UDA's National Executive Committee (NEC) is waiting on the court's decision before proceeding with the appointment of Kithure Kindiki as the new Deputy Party Leader.

“Once the process in the courts has been concluded, we will sit down as a party and make sure that we replace the Deputy Party leader,” Hassan said.

He further suggested that Gachagua should abandon his legal battle and accept the Senate's decision, urging him to focus on rebuilding his political standing outside the court system.

"If he wants to go and regroup himself and re-organise politically, we wish him all the best, but let us move on," he said.

President William Ruto nominated Kindiki for the Deputy President role on October 18, following the Senate's decision to impeach Gachagua. Gachagua’s legal team has since argued that the process was unjust, pointing to the Senate’s decision made while Gachagua was hospitalised.

Despite the proceedings, Gachagua remains resolute in his claim to the Deputy President position, pledging to contest his ouster vigorously.

On Tuesday, the embattled DP moved the court urging it to maintain a suspension of his impeachment, arguing that his rights must be safeguarded.

Senior Counsel Paul Muite and lawyer Elisha Ongoya, representing Gachagua, argued that the current order preventing his removal and delaying the nomination and appointment of a replacement is legally sound.

Ongoya questioned the urgency displayed by President Ruto in nominating Kindiki for the Deputy President role, along with the rapid National Assembly vote that took place on October 18.

Ongoya described Ruto’s actions as “unprecedented,” raising concerns about whether all necessary clearances were obtained in anticipation of the Senate’s resolution.

"Given the extraordinary rush to impeach Gachagua, it seems the country has suddenly become super-efficient,” he said, pointing out the swift Senate trial that concluded late on October 17.

“Yet, we’re still seeing delays with IDs, passports, and long hospital queues,” he added, addressing a bench of Justices Eric Ogola, Anthony Mrima, and Freda Mugambi.

The lawyers cited Article 23 of the Constitution, which grants the High Court authority to address claims of violations or threats to fundamental freedoms. They argued that the Attorney General’s request to review the suspension would undermine Gachagua’s rights.