Gachagua: Mt Kenya leaders want to ditch UDA for by-elections

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has disclosed that several leaders from the Mount Kenya region are likely to seek re-election due to changes in political alliances.

In an exclusive interview with KTN News, Gachagua explained the strategy behind postponing the unveiling of his new party.

He noted that the party was strategically awaiting the formation of the Independent Electoral Boundaries Commission.

“Our political party is ready, and for strategic reasons, I did not want to unveil it before May. 

We wanted the IEBC to be constituted because several of our Senators and MPs plan to resign from UDA, join our new party, and contest in by-elections,” said Gachagua.

He added; “As of today, 139 MCAs want to resign from UDA and go for byelections.We are going to force a little general election after IEBC is constituted”. 

Gachagua alleged that the ruling United Democratic Alliance party has lost its massive following in the Mt. Kenya region.

He further explained that he engaged in extensive consultations with his community immediately after his impeachment but did not anticipate that it would attract the attention of the larger political class.

“When we started the consultation I thought it would be a Mt. Kenya affair but I had not appreciated the interest my leadership had created in the country. Many Kenyans from other regions wanted to consult with me and therefore we had to extend our time to complete our negotiations,” he explained.

 To form a formidable political alliance, Gachagua has hinted at working with key opposition leaders in the country including  Raila Odinga, Eugene Wamalwa, Kalonzo Musyoka, and Natembeya.

Gachagua further revealed that through the consultative meetings, the leaders have persuaded him to form coalitions.

.“What they have told me in those meetings, is we must be the next government by consolidating our votes to eight million votes and look for other friends and have a presidential candidate to form the government,” he added.

The former DP's decision to postpone his new political outlook has left his supporters in uncertainty since last year.