Embattled Rigathi Gachagua’s political future seems increasingly uncertain, following recent tensions within the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party, where he held the position of deputy party leader.
Reliable sources suggest that Gachagua could be laying the groundwork for his own political party, a move that would challenge UDA’s dominance in the Mount Kenya region ahead of the 2027 general election.
This potential shift comes after UDA’s leadership reportedly threatened to expel Gachagua as deputy party leader, with some party founders advocating for the appointment of the newly appointed Deputy President Kithure Kindiki in his place.
The growing rift within UDA is seen as a reaction to the National Assembly’s recent vote against Gachagua’s impeachment, with certain MPs opposing the move despite the serious charges leveled against him.
The internal power struggle within UDA has been simmering for months, and the public exchange of barbs between Gachagua and President William Ruto has only amplified the tension.
Reports suggest that the party’s founders have called for disciplinary action against MPs who opposed Gachagua’s ouster, further exacerbating the rift.
As UDA founders push for a reshuffling of leadership, including replacing Gachagua with Kindiki, Gachagua’s supporters have started looking beyond UDA to secure his political future.
Earlier rumors indicated that Gachagua had approached the New Democrats Party, led by billionaire businessman Thuo Mathenge, as a potential vehicle for his political ambitions.
However, Mathenge’s camp swiftly denied these rumors.
There were also reports that Gachagua’s team had explored the option of joining the Democratic Party (DP), but these claims have not been substantiated by official statements.
In a separate development, Gachagua has publicly vented his frustrations at President Ruto, accusing him of orchestrating the political machinations aimed at removing him from office.
In an outspoken remark, Gachagua claimed that Ruto had bankrolled a faction of MPs to push for his impeachment in the National Assembly.
“The president must remember that I was the main factor behind his election in 2022. It is disheartening to see this betrayal from someone I helped to secure the presidency,” Gachagua said, alluding to his critical role in mobilizing support for Ruto during the 2022 elections.
His comments have only fueled speculation about a growing political divide between the two, and the possibility of Gachagua exploring alternatives to UDA in the near future.
If Gachagua were to indeed register a new party, the implications for Mount Kenya politics would be significant. The region, which has traditionally been a stronghold for Ruto and UDA, could see a new political landscape emerge, with Gachagua positioning himself as a challenger to UDA’s dominance.
Gachagua’s influence in the region, coupled with his personal following, could make him a formidable rival to UDA, especially if he gains the backing of key political figures within the region.
Despite Gachagua’s public frustrations, UDA’s leadership has made it clear that it will not tolerate insubordination, and the party’s future direction may hinge on how the leadership crisis is resolved.
The fallout from this internal strife could have far-reaching consequences, not just for the deputy president’s political career, but also for the unity of the Kenya Kwanza coalition.
