Gachagua finally quits UDA, blasts party for unfulfilled promises

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. [File, Standard]

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua announced his resignation from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), accusing the party of abandoning its founding ideals and harming the country’s future.

In a letter to the UDA Secretary-General, Gachagua stated that the party had failed to deliver on promises made to the Kenyans, including economic transformation, agricultural reform and universal healthcare.

He expressed disappointment in the Kenya Kwanza coalition, accusing it of mismanagement and corruption.

“We promised the Kenyan people a bottom-up economic model and reform, but instead, the administration continues to fail in delivering,” Gachagua said.

“The party is no longer representative of the people of Kenya, and I cannot be part of that,” he added.

The resignation comes nearly seven months after Gachagua's impeachment, which saw 53 senators vote to remove him from office for gross violation of the Constitution, particularly for divisive remarks.

The impeachment marked the first time a sitting deputy president has been impeached in Kenya’s history.

Gachagua is set to launch his own political party this week, aiming to provide a new platform for political leaders from diverse regions.

He confirmed the party will field candidates in all positions, including the Presidency.

“It will be a party for all Kenyans,” he said during a roundtable media interview. “We aim to build a political alternative that can genuinely unite the country.”