NAIROBI, Kenya – The Registrar of Political Parties has formalized the removal of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua as the deputy party leader of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
In a gazette notice dated January 23, Anne Nderitu confirmed that Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has been gazetted as the new UDA deputy party leader.
“Any person with written submissions concerning the intended change by the political party shall, within seven (7) days from the date of this publication, make their written submissions to the Registrar of Political Parties,” the notice reads.
The decision follows UDA’s earlier communication notifying its members and the public of Gachagua’s removal.
The party resolved to replace him with Kindiki after a ruling by its National Executive Committee (NEC) on November 11, citing UDA’s constitution, which states that the deputy party leader must also serve as deputy president.
Gachagua’s ouster comes in the wake of his impeachment by Parliament on October 17, where he was accused of multiple offenses, including insubordination to President William Ruto, the UDA party leader.
The impeachment, which saw overwhelming support in both the National Assembly and Senate, resulted in Ruto appointing Kindiki as deputy president shortly after.
The leadership shake-up coincides with UDA’s merger with the Amani National Congress (ANC), an alliance aimed at consolidating power ahead of future political contests.
The merger has seen key ANC leaders incorporated into UDA’s leadership structure.
UDA insiders have hinted that the party may consider expelling Gachagua entirely if the court upholds his impeachment.
