UDA issues a notice removing former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua as deputy party leader
Despite the NEC's decision, Gachagua's removal won't happen until the Registrar of Political Parties ratifies the resolution.
The ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party has formally announced the removal of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua as its deputy party leader, replacing him with his successor, Kithure Kindiki.
UDA National Chairperson Cecily Mbarire and Secretary-General Hassan Omar signed the notice released on Thursday.
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The decision follows a meeting of UDA's National Executive Committee (NEC) on November 11, 2024, which recommended Gachagua's removal based on the party's constitution. The position of deputy party leader in UDA requires that the person also serve as the deputy president.
"Pursuant to and in accordance with Section 20 (2) of the Political Parties Act, 2011, the United Democratic Alliance Party notifies its members and the general public of the following changes in the office of the Deputy Party Leader on an interim basis," the notice reads.
Despite the NEC's decision, Gachagua's removal won't happen until the Registrar of Political Parties ratifies the resolution.
Impeachment
This move follows Gachagua's impeachment on October 17, which was based on allegations of insubordination to party leader and President William Ruto.
The Senate upheld the National Assembly's impeachment of Gachagua, which sparked his strained relationship with President Ruto.
Despite this, Gachagua challenged his impeachment in court, with over 30 petitions filed, and a three-judge bench is expected to hear the case this Thursday.
Following the resolution, Kindiki, who was appointed Deputy President after Gachagua's impeachment, was installed as the new UDA deputy party leader.
In his speech after the installation, Kindiki stressed the importance of unity in the country and his role in supporting President Ruto and advancing the party's ideals.
"I was, and I'm still the chief agent for the UDA party. I have not yet handed over the chief agent mantle for this party that made me Interior Cabinet Secretary," he said during the change of leadership at Hustler Plaza, the party headquarters.
Merger with ANC
The announcement of Gachagua's removal follows UDA's recent merger with the Amani National Congress (ANC) on January 17, 2024.
The merger has led to the incorporation of former ANC leaders into UDA's leadership structure.
Issa Timamy, former ANC party leader, was appointed as UDA's second deputy party leader, while Omboko Milemba, Emuhaya MP and former ANC secretary-general, was named Omar's deputy.
Other appointments include Kevin Lunani as UDA vice chairperson, Kitutu Chache North MP Japheth Nyakundi as national treasurer, and Nicodemus Bore as one of three former ANC officials now serving as UDA directors.
The party has also adopted new branding, incorporating ANC's identity symbols, logo, and imagery in preparation for the 2027 General Election.
The leadership changes and restructuring of UDA are part of a broader strategy to strengthen the party's presence across Kenya as it gears up for the 2027 General Election.
According to Mbarire, the rebranding will help the party present a unified front and appeal to a broader section of the electorate.
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