UDA announces plans to expel Gachagua from party

Ousted Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has been dealt another blow after the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) announced plans to expel him from the party.

UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar on Monday revealed that Gachagua is no longer recognised as the party's deputy leader.

"Gachagua must now accept the ground has shifted and move on," Omar said, urging the former Deputy President to make way for new leadership.

He was speaking during a UDA comrades event in Eldoret.

The Secretary-General further clarified that, according to the party's Constitution, UDA does not acknowledge Gachagua in any official capacity following his impeachment.

UDA Treasurer Jafeth Nyakundi echoed these sentiments, hinting that Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki is poised to become Kenya's next Deputy President.

He pointed out that Gachagua's actions have contradicted UDA's core values.

"We already recognise Kindiki as our deputy president and also deputy party leader but we will officially install him soon," Nyakundi added.

The latest developments further deepen the rift between Gachagua and President William Ruto, solidifying the perception of an irreparable relationship.

Omar disclosed that he had received direct instructions from President Ruto to engage with the youth actively to enhance the party's influence and address national concerns.

He also mentioned that UDA would soon hold a meeting to formalise Gachagua's expulsion and outline the next steps in leadership transitions.

Gachagua has since moved to the courts and requested an order blocking the swearing-in of Kithure Kindiki, who was nominated by Ruto and approved by Parliament to take over his position as Deputy President.

Speaking to reporters on Sunday after his release from the hospital, Gachagua revealed he had feared for his life even while still in office due to alleged attempts on his life.

Alleged assassination attempts

In his statement, Gachagua recounted two alleged assassination attempts during his time in office.

"Leave me alone, my brother President William Ruto, I can't believe you are the man I helped become president," he said.

Following these incidents, Gachagua said he reported the threats to the NIS and dismissed his security detail, stating that he no longer felt safe with them around.

He further claimed that his impeachment was orchestrated after the failed attempts to assassinate him. "After the two attempts to kill me failed, that's when this impeachment motion was hatched," he asserted.

The former Deputy President also accused the government of withdrawing his security detail while he was hospitalised, leaving him vulnerable.

He claimed NIS agents were present at the hospital during his stay, causing him to call his family to stay in his room for added protection.

In a direct appeal to President Ruto, Gachagua said, "I helped you become president. Leave me and my children alone. Do whatever you want, but let me live and care for my children."