Cherargei Challenges Gachagua Allies to Quit Ruling UDA Party

A fresh storm is brewing within the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) as vocal Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei publicly challenged Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro and other allies of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to resign from the party, accusing them of disloyalty and double standards.

During a live panel discussion on Citizen TV on Thursday morning, Senator Cherargei lashed out at what he described as a growing trend of UDA members undermining the party from within while still enjoying the privileges it offers. His comments came days after a controversial reshuffle that saw key UDA figures ousted from parliamentary committees, sparking speculation of a widening rift between President William Ruto’s loyalists and the pro-Gachagua faction.

“The President has shown admirable tolerance,” Cherargei said. “If he were the dictator that some claim he is, he would have long expelled those who are actively undermining his leadership while pretending to support the party. But he hasn’t, and that should debunk the myth of intolerance.”

Cherargei pointed to Ndindi Nyoro, once hailed by President Ruto as a promising young leader under his mentorship, as an example of individuals who were leveraging their UDA affiliations for personal and political gain while remaining ideologically aligned with Gachagua.

“You cannot have your cake and eat it too,” he declared. “You cannot oppose the party’s agenda and still want to benefit from its structures. Party democracy and loyalty must be absolute. If they are truly bold and principled, let them resign and seek fresh mandates under Gachagua’s new outfit—the Democracy for Citizens’ Party (DCP).”

The Nandi Senator further defended the decision to strip certain lawmakers of their committee roles, saying it was only logical to remove individuals who had ceased to support UDA’s core objectives.

Among those affected by the February reshuffle was Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu, who was also present during the Thursday interview. Nyutu was ousted from the influential Education Committee, a move he attributed to his open support for Gachagua.

Despite being removed from a key position, Nyutu remained defiant, stating he was not afraid of being kicked out of the party. He accused President Ruto of using the reshuffle and other actions—such as the dismissal of former Cabinet Secretaries Mithika Linturi and Justin Muturi—as evidence of growing intolerance towards dissent.

“Let him [Ruto] go ahead and kick us out if he dares,” Nyutu said. “We are in UDA legally, and our contract with the party runs until 2027. If he wants by-elections, let him bring them on. We’re not afraid.”

Nyutu added that while he had not officially joined the newly formed DCP, he intended to vie for re-election on a DCP ticket in the next general election. “There is nothing wrong with expressing future political intentions. It’s like saying I might marry someone—I haven’t yet, but I might. I’m still in UDA now, but I’ve made it clear that DCP will be my vehicle in 2027.”

His remarks came amid growing pressure on Gachagua’s allies to formalize their exit from UDA and join DCP, a party the former Deputy President unveiled earlier this year. However, despite Gachagua’s efforts to consolidate his support base under the new banner, most of his UDA-aligned allies have yet to make the leap.

Cherargei interpreted this hesitation as political cowardice. “They are fearful,” he said. “They want to keep one foot in UDA and another in DCP. But that’s not how politics works. If you truly believe in your new path, take it boldly. Resign from UDA and face the electorate afresh. That’s what real political courage looks like.”

Meanwhile, Ndindi Nyoro, one of the most prominent figures caught in the crossfire, has remained largely silent. His ambiguous stance has only fueled speculation. Once a close ally of President Ruto and chair of the powerful Budget and Appropriations Committee, Nyoro was recently removed from the role and replaced by Makadara MP Sam Aladwa of the opposition ODM party—a move widely seen as a warning to others in the Gachagua camp.

Though he has yet to publicly comment on his next steps, Nyoro’s silence is growing increasingly conspicuous in light of mounting pressure from both factions.

The latest developments underscore the intensifying internal power struggle within UDA as the party approaches a crucial political crossroads. Gachagua’s DCP continues to gain traction among dissatisfied members, but the uncertainty surrounding formal defections points to strategic caution among elected leaders, many of whom still depend on UDA’s national machinery for political survival.

Cherargei’s challenge, therefore, is not merely rhetorical—it’s a litmus test of loyalty and a potential turning point in Kenya’s evolving political realignment.

As the dust settles from the committee reshuffle and the party braces for further shifts, all eyes are now on Ndindi Nyoro and other key figures. Will they stand firm within UDA, attempt to reconcile with the leadership, or take the bold step of joining DCP? The coming weeks could determine not just their political futures, but also the trajectory of the ruling coalition.