Rigathi Gachagua Quits UDA, Labels Ruto’s Party ‘Enemy of the People’

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has officially resigned from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), deepening the rift within President William Ruto’s political base just two years before the 2027 General Election. Gachagua’s resignation comes seven months after his impeachment by the National Assembly on October 8, 2024, over 11 charges, which he has since challenged in court.

In a resignation letter dated May 12, Gachagua announced his immediate departure from UDA, condemning the party for betraying Kenyans and abandoning its founding promises. “The UDA has transformed into an enemy of the people,” Gachagua wrote, accusing the Kenya Kwanza government of abandoning unity, justice, and economic inclusion for a “retrogressive philosophy.”

The former DP criticised the government’s flagship development pillars — Agriculture, MSMEs, Housing, Healthcare, and the Digital Economy — claiming they had become “centres of crime” with no tangible outcomes. He cited failures in agriculture, housing, and healthcare as evidence of systemic collapse under Ruto’s leadership.

Gachagua’s move follows his earlier ouster from UDA’s deputy party leader role in January, when the National Executive Committee replaced him with his successor, Kithure Kindiki. However, until today, Gachagua had remained a registered member of the party.

His resignation adds fuel to the ongoing debate over Kenya’s legitimate deputy president, especially after a controversial May 9 Court of Appeal ruling. The court faulted Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu for exceeding her mandate in forming a bench to hear Gachagua’s impeachment petitions, declaring the action unconstitutional.

Gachagua is now expected to launch a new political vehicle this week, signalling his intent to mount a strong challenge in the 2027 elections.