UDA resignation signals new political path for Gachagua

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has officially opened a new political chapter following his resignation from the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party.

Gachagua, who was removed from office through impeachment in October, had remained a UDA member despite being ousted as the party’s deputy leader.

While UDA’s National Steering Committee appointed Deputy President Kithure Kindiki as his replacement in December, no legal steps were taken to formally eject Gachagua from the party, nor did he immediately resign following his impeachment.

However, on May 12, 2025, Gachagua wrote to the Registrar of Political Parties to officially resign as a UDA member, just days before the expected launch of his political vehicle.

“By a copy of this letter, you are notified that I have officially resigned from the UDA Party with immediate effect,” Gachagua stated in his letter to the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties.

In the letter, Gachagua claimed that the party has exhausted and wasted a Kenyan moment to take off economically, socially and politically.

According to Gachagua, most of the promises the government made during the campaign period have not been fulfilled.

His resignation could trigger a wave of political defections from UDA, especially among his close allies, further destabilising the ruling party’s support base ahead of the 2027 general election.

The former DP, who has now formally severed ties with President William Ruto, is set to unveil his political party on May 15, 2025, in Nairobi, marking the official start of his 2027 presidential campaign.

According to the Political Parties Act, which governs the operations of political parties in Kenya, an individual cannot be a member of more than one political party at the same time.

Gachagua’s resignation from UDA fulfils this legal requirement ahead of the official launch of his new party after four-and-a-half years as a member of the UDA party.

He was initially a member of the Jubilee party, on whose ticket he was elected Mathira MP in 2017.

Speaking on Egesa FM on May 12, Gachagua confirmed that the new party is ready for launch, saying it reflects the national character of Kenya.

“This week, you will know the name of our party, which we have been working on. It includes officials from all over the country, including Kisii,” Gachagua said.

The anticipated launch is expected to reinforce Gachagua’s effort to consolidate support in the Mount Kenya region and establish himself as a formidable political force ahead of 2027.

“We are going to have a strong political party with its roots in Mount Kenya, because every national party must have a solid base,” he affirmed.

Following his resignation, Gachagua is expected to begin a nationwide grassroots campaign to recruit new members, potentially eroding UDA’s influence in key regions like Mount Kenya.

Recently, Gachagua hinted that his alliance may push for by-elections in targeted constituencies as a dress rehearsal for the 2027 polls.

One such opportunity is already looming in Mbeere North Constituency, where a by-election is expected following the appointment of former MP Geoffrey Ruku as Cabinet Secretary for Public Service.

In Embu County, some UDA coordinators recently announced their resignation.

UDA National Executive Council (NEC) member Joshua Kanake led a group of disillusioned grassroots leaders in declaring their exit from the party they once championed.

However, the UDA party has strongly dismissed reports of mass defections in Embu, labelling them fraudulent and politically driven.

Mt. Kenya East UDA Coordinator Albert Mutani described the resignations as a “sham staged by imposters,” asserting that those involved were not officially recognised party members.

The process of resigning from a political party is governed by law. A member must give prior written notice to the party, and the resignation must be formally acknowledged and stamped by the party.

Required documents include a copy of the resignation letter, national ID or passport used for voter registration, and proof of receipt by the party.

The resignation takes effect once the political party receives the notice. The party or the member must then notify the Registrar of Political Parties within seven days.

According to Section 3(A) of the Political Parties Act:

“Upon receiving the notification under subsection (3), the Registrar shall cause the name of such member to be removed from the membership list of that political party.”