Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is now facing calls to establish his own political party, a move many believe could have prevented his recent political challenges. Unlike his Kenya Kwanza colleagues, Gachagua entered the alliance as an individual rather than through a political party, which critics argue limited his leverage in negotiating a lasting arrangement with President William Ruto.
Many observers believe that if Gachagua had formalized his role through a political party, the outcome might have been different. Following his recent impeachment and the swearing-in of his successor, his allies are recognizing this oversight and are now urging him to register his own political party.
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has scheduled a National Executive Committee meeting to formally remove Gachagua from the party and appoint the new Deputy President, Kithure Kindiki, as the deputy party leader. UDA Chairperson Cecily Mbarire announced that this meeting could happen as soon as today, with the main agenda being to make Kindiki deputy party leader in line with the UDA constitution, which reserves this position for the sitting Deputy President. During Kindiki's swearing-in at KICC, Mbarire expressed confidence in his ability to support the President's agenda.
Did you read this?
In his first public appearance since being ousted, Gachagua expressed some regret over not securing a formal agreement. Speaking at a funeral service at Kiamwathi Anglican Church in Kirinyaga County, he assured his supporters that his political ambitions remained intact and promised to guide them on a political path soon. "I am not quitting politics; my political ambition is unstoppable. To those who feel abandoned, please be patient," he said, adding, "I will soon show them the political route to follow."
His allies echoed these sentiments, urging him to establish a political party to protect the region's interests. Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina stated that the region’s political future would be more secure with its own party. Baragwi MCA David Mathenge added, "If Gachagua had a political party, he would not have been sidelined."
While other Kenya Kwanza leaders entered the alliance through structured agreements tied to their respective political parties, Gachagua relied solely on Ruto’s goodwill during the campaign. Leaders like Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi of ANC, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula of Ford Kenya, and Senate Speaker Amason Kingi of the PAA party signed agreements that legally secured their positions and influence within the government. Other prominent figures in Kenya Kwanza, such as Labour CS Alfred Mutua of Maendeleo Chap Chap and Public Service CS Justin Muturi of the Democratic Party, also entered into formal agreements that guaranteed their roles and government appointments.
These structured agreements ensured that Kenya Kwanza principals retained key roles and a share of influential government positions. Gachagua’s allies now believe that with a political party, he could secure a stronger platform for future political endeavors.
