Kenya:Rigathi Gachagua Quits UDA, Cites Betrayal and Disrespect

By Samuel Ouma

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has officially resigned from President William Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA), citing betrayal and humiliation within the party leadership.

This move comes six months after his dramatic impeachment, a political storm that rocked the ruling coalition.

In a strongly worded statement addressed to the UDA Secretary General, Gachagua said his decision followed deep reflection and consultations with his supporters across the Mt. Kenya region. He accused President Ruto and top UDA officials of orchestrating his downfall.

“I have watched in pain as the party I helped build turned against me,” Gachagua said.

“The betrayal was not only personal, it was a betrayal of the people of Mt. Kenya who believed in our vision.”

The former Deputy President, who served alongside Ruto until his ouster in late 2024, revealed that he had been isolated and disrespected after questioning certain policies within the Kenya Kwanza administration.

"Instead of dialogue, I was met with threats, blackmail, and, eventually, impeachment. “Those who once praised me as a loyal soldier now call me a stumbling block,” he said.

Gachagua also condemned what he termed as the weaponisation of state institutions to silence dissent within the party ranks. He hinted at a new political direction, one that prioritises the interests of Mt. Kenya voters.

“I am not a bitter man. I am a focused man. I am going back to the people, and from there, we shall chart a new path,” the statement read.

He noted that his political journey was far from over and promised to announce his next move soon after wide consultations.

“Politics is not about positions. It is about service. The spirit of Mau Mau runs in my blood. I will not be silenced.”