The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has publicly announced its support for the impeachment motion against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
In a social media post shared on Friday morning, the ruling party declared that it backs the motion on the basis of “solid grounds” outlined in the charges against Gachagua.
“The UDA Party wishes to announce and give direction to the party members that all the eleven grounds leveled against the Deputy President are solid and that the party agrees to the proposed impeachment,” read the official statement from the party’s social media account.
This move by UDA, which is the political outfit of President William Ruto, signals a deepening rift within the party and casts doubt on the future of Gachagua’s political career.
The impeachment motion, tabled by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse, lists multiple accusations against the Deputy President, including alleged breaches of the constitution, corruption, and incitement.
The UDA’s endorsement of the impeachment motion is significant, as it marks a rare instance of a ruling party moving to oust one of its own top leaders.
Political analysts say this development could further escalate the tensions within the party and the broader Kenya Kwanza coalition.
The decision is more likely to have impacts, particularly in the Mount Kenya region, where Gachagua commands significant support. Several lawmakers from the region had earlier called on President Ruto to intervene in the impeachment crisis, warning that removing Gachagua could alienate a crucial voter base.
Already, a number of those who signed the impeachment from Mt Kenya have retreated and announced they will not support it. However, UDA’s public stance suggests the party leadership is determined to push ahead with the motion.
The impeachment process, which is currently underway in the National Assembly, has gained significant traction, with over 291 MPs reportedly signing in support of the motion—far exceeding the 117 signatures required to meet the constitutional threshold.
While UDA’s backing of the impeachment may solidify the party’s position on the matter, it also risks deepening internal divisions. Deputy President Gachagua has already taken legal action, filing a lawsuit in court to stop the impeachment process, calling the accusations against him baseless and politically motivated.
By Creatorhub