Africa-Press – Kenya. Kithure Kindiki has officially been named the Deputy Party leader of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) effectively ending former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s tenure.
Kindiki, who was sworn in as Kenya’s new deputy president at the start of November, was officially announced as UDA’s new designated deputy leader in a statement shared 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.”
A source within the party, however, confirmed to Kenyans.co.ke that Gachagua was not expelled from the party and it is his choice to continue as an ordinary member or depart.
“As of now, the only thing that has been done is the changing of the party leadership. 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,” our source stated.
When asked whether Gachagua will have any duties in UDA going forward, the source stated, “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 just days after Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, who serves as the UDA Chair, announced changes within the party’s hierarchy at the top was imminent. Mbarire made the remarks on Friday, November 1 2024 while speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of DP Kindiki, citing the UDA party constitution.
Kindiki also affirmed his new position as UDA’s deputy during the party’s NEC meeting on Monday.
“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.”
Rigathi Gachagua’s ouster from leadership within UDA was the latest blow the former DP was dealt to cap off what has been a turbulent last six weeks for him.
Since the start of October Gachagua has faced different battles, including defending himself before the National Assembly from a spate of charges ranging from abuse of office to illegally acquiring properties to the tune of billions.
After the Senate voted to impeach Gachagua, the embattled former Mathira constituency MP moved to court as he exhausted all avenues to attempt an unlikely reversal of his impeachment to save his seat.
Despite a source within the party clarifying that Gachagua had not been expelled, it remains to be seen whether he will stay with UDA as an ordinary member, although it is highly unlikely.
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