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
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has been officially selected to replace Rigathi Gachagua as the deputy party leader of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party, a move that effectively cripples Gachagua’s political future.
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 the 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.”
Kithure Kindiki attending the UDA NEC meeting on November 11, 2024. /PHOTO
The UDA National Executive Committee (NEC) reached the decision to replace Gachagua who was recently impeached following a meeting on Monday.
Speaking during the meeting, Kindiki remarked that he was ready to serve in the new role, deeming the move as timely, the decision to name him as second to President William Ruto, who is the party leader.
Kindiki also promised to work with other external institutions not only to make the party better but the country at large.
“I want to thank the party for enforcing the changes within the party on time as it will enable the party to progress without leaving the deputy party leader post vacant,” he said.
“I want to assure you of my unwavering party to the ideals that our party stands for. I will work with all the organs established under our party constitution for the good and better performance of our party,” he added.
On Monday, October 21, UDA members denounced Gachagua. UDA party secretary general Hassan Omar claimed that the party would no longer recognize Gachagua and that the party would hold a meeting with the goal of expelling him.
Omar, who spoke during the UDA comrades event in Eldoret, declared that “Gachagua must now accept the ground has shifted and move on.” The SG was backed by UDA party treasurer Japheth Nyakundi as they affirmed that they stand for the country’s unity.
The Secretary-General further clarified that UDA did not recognise Gachagua as the deputy party leader of UDA, as per the ruling party’s Constitution. Beforehand, the Deputy President had also assumed the role of deputy party leader, and following Gachagua’s impeachment, he would have to give way to other leaders.
Nyakundi added that Gachagua was no longer suited to act as the party’s deputy as he had gone against everything UDA stands for. Meanwhile, plans went ahead to install Kithure Kindiki as the new deputy party leader, once he was eventually cleared by the courts of law to take office as Deputy President.
“We already recognise Kindiki as our deputy president and also deputy party leader but we will officially install him soon,” he said, adding “Gachagua failed to act in accordance with the party’s values.”
Omar further stated that he had received direct instructions from President William Ruto to actively engage with the youth to better the UDA party and the country.
