United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Acting Secretary General Hassan Omar has announced that Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua could face expulsion from the ruling party. Omar’s remarks, made during a public address in Mombasa on Saturday, have sent ripples through the political landscape, igniting a debate over the future of Gachagua, who doubles as UDA’s deputy party leader. The statement, which comes in the wake of ongoing discussions surrounding a potential impeachment motion against the Deputy President, signals an internal power struggle within UDA, a party that has prided itself on unity and the promotion of a national agenda.
Omar’s comments reflect the growing discontent within UDA ranks regarding Gachagua’s leadership and political conduct. His statements also underscore the tension brewing within the party, as it faces a critical moment in determining the future of its leadership and the broader direction of the country.
The Impeachment Push: A Nation on Edge
The looming impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua has become one of the most talked-about political moves in Kenya. MPs, particularly from regions outside Gachagua’s native Mount Kenya area, have increasingly voiced concerns over the Deputy President’s actions, which they claim have undermined national unity and threatened to destabilize the government’s core agenda. The allegations center on accusations that Gachagua has been propagating tribalism, division, and exclusion, making him a polarizing figure.
Hassan Omar, while addressing the Comrades Chapter Town Hall at the Kenya School of Government in Mombasa, did not mince his words. He expressed support for MPs pushing for the Deputy President’s ouster, arguing that there are sufficient grounds to impeach him. According to Omar, if the impeachment process moves forward and succeeds, UDA will also seek to expel Gachagua from the party entirely.
“In fact, if that motion of impeachment sails through, our immediate concern then will be to eject him also as a member of the party,” Omar stated emphatically. This would be a dramatic and unprecedented move within the UDA, signaling a major internal shakeup that could reshape the party’s future direction.
Omar’s rationale for such a drastic step was clear: Gachagua’s continued presence in both the government and the party poses a threat to national unity. “You cannot be found to be incompetent, grossly undermining the Constitution and national unity, and continue to be a ranking member of the party,” Omar declared.
The Allegations Against Gachagua
The crux of the allegations against Gachagua revolves around accusations of tribalism and divisive rhetoric. Several leaders within UDA, as well as political observers, have raised concerns about the Deputy President’s frequent references to his native Mount Kenya region, at times framing national issues in ways that appear to prioritize his home region over others. Omar argued that Gachagua has strayed far from the original principles of the “Hustler Nation” movement, which UDA had cultivated during its rise to power under President William Ruto.
“Hustler Nation policy was about the bottom-up agenda, not one region or individuals. We cannot continue to have a deputy president who is a threat to national unity,” Omar remarked, highlighting the dissatisfaction among key party leaders with Gachagua’s handling of national issues.
These allegations were echoed by UDA National Treasurer Japheth Nyakundi, who also criticized Gachagua’s political conduct, emphasizing that the Deputy President’s behavior has raised concerns across the country. Nyakundi particularly pointed out Gachagua’s reluctance to engage with regions outside Mount Kenya, especially Nyanza and the Coast, areas that have been crucial in shaping Kenya’s political landscape.
“He says he is a murima (mountain) person, and for us, we want someone who is a symbol of national unity, who will be visiting other regions and hear the problems of other regions,” Nyakundi explained. This sentiment speaks to a broader frustration within UDA, where Gachagua’s perceived tribal bias is seen as antithetical to the party’s goal of fostering a united, inclusive Kenya.
A Divisive Figure: Gachagua’s Controversial Political Persona
Rigathi Gachagua has always been a figure of significant influence, especially within the Mount Kenya region, where he has long enjoyed widespread support. As Deputy President, his role within UDA is critical not only because he holds the second-highest office in the land but also because of his position as UDA’s deputy party leader. His political persona is often described as tough-talking and unapologetically loyal to his constituency, which has sometimes put him at odds with other regions and political factions within the country.
Critics of Gachagua argue that his style of leadership often borders on populism, and his frequent emphasis on regional loyalty has only served to alienate other communities. Since taking office, Gachagua has been accused of making statements that inflame ethnic tensions, particularly in a country that has experienced deep-seated ethnic divisions in its political history.
On the other hand, Gachagua’s defenders argue that he has been a staunch advocate for the people of Mount Kenya, and his loyalty to the region should not be mistaken for tribalism. They claim that his outspoken nature and willingness to confront issues head-on are assets, not liabilities, and that his impeachment would be politically motivated rather than based on any substantive failings.
The Political Repercussions for UDA
The potential expulsion of Rigathi Gachagua from UDA, should the impeachment motion succeed, would mark a significant turning point for the ruling party. UDA’s rise to power was built on a broad coalition of support, with the Hustler Nation narrative at its core. This narrative, which focused on the bottom-up economic model, appealed to millions of Kenyans, particularly those feeling disenfranchised by traditional power structures. Gachagua’s political influence was instrumental in securing votes from the Mount Kenya region, which was crucial to UDA’s success in the 2022 general election.
However, the fallout from the ongoing power struggle could have serious repercussions. Expelling Gachagua could alienate his supporters within Mount Kenya, weakening UDA’s hold on one of its key voting blocs. Conversely, failing to address the concerns of other regions, where Gachagua is seen as divisive, could erode the party’s support base elsewhere in the country.
Moreover, the impeachment and expulsion of a sitting Deputy President would likely cause political instability within the government. The country could face a period of uncertainty, as political factions realign in anticipation of new leadership, both within UDA and the broader national government. President William Ruto, in particular, would be under immense pressure to navigate the fallout from such a dramatic move within his administration.
A Party at a Crossroads
As UDA grapples with the internal divisions caused by the Gachagua saga, it finds itself at a critical juncture. The party’s leadership, particularly Secretary General Hassan Omar, has framed the issue as one of national unity versus regionalism. The central question is whether Gachagua’s actions and political rhetoric are compatible with the vision UDA has set for the future of Kenya.
By suggesting that Gachagua’s impeachment and subsequent expulsion from the party are necessary steps to preserve unity, Omar is making a calculated political move. His statements highlight the broader ideological struggle within UDA as it seeks to define its identity post-election and balance the competing demands of its various supporters.
The Comrades Chapter Town Hall meeting, where Omar made his remarks, also serves as a reminder of UDA’s efforts to engage with the youth and address the needs of the next generation of leaders. The chapter, which aims to create a platform for students and young professionals to participate in political discourse, provides a space for new voices within UDA to emerge, potentially reshaping the party’s future direction.
Conclusion: A New Era of Political Realignment
Whether or not the impeachment motion against Rigathi Gachagua moves forward, the mere discussion of such a possibility signals a new era of political realignment in Kenya. The tensions within UDA reflect broader challenges facing the country as it seeks to balance regional interests with national unity.
As UDA continues to hold meetings across the country to engage with its youth base, it is clear that the party is at a crossroads. Hassan Omar’s remarks about expelling Gachagua underscore the gravity of the moment, and the decisions made in the coming weeks will have lasting consequences for UDA, the government, and Kenya’s political future.
The outcome of these discussions will shape the country’s trajectory, determining whether UDA can maintain its coalition of support or whether it will fracture under the weight of internal dissent. For now, all eyes are on Rigathi Gachagua and the leadership of UDA as they navigate this tumultuous period in Kenyan politics.
