Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has stated that the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party has lost its influence in the Mount Kenya region following his removal from office.
In an interview with a local media station on February 24, 2025, Gachagua asserted that UDA’s influence in the Mt. Kenya region was primarily tied to his leadership.
“By the way, UDA now is a shell. UDA was ‘Riggy G’ at the mountain. Without ‘Riggy G’ at the mountain, there’s no UDA. There’s no party there,” he stated, referring to himself by his popular nickname.
PHOTO/@UDAKenya/X.
According to him, his new political movement has already garnered significant support, with 139 Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) ready to resign from UDA to contest under the banner of his new party.
“We have several by-elections coming. As of today, 139 MCAs want to resign from UDA and go for by-elections. We are going to force a liberal general election after IEBC is reconstituted,” he stated.
New party
During a joint media interview on February 9, 2025, Gachagua announced that he would reveal the name of his newly formed political party in May 2025.
He emphasized that this aligns with his mandate from the people of Mt. Kenya to establish a strong political party that would serve as the region’s signature force, similar to Raila Odinga’s ODM.
“Our party is ready. It is in the showroom, the engine is brand new, the tyres are Michelin, and the driver is Gachagua—he won’t steer it off course. People are eager to know the name. The fifth month is when we will make the big reveal. We will begin opening branches, transitioning people from UDA, and firmly rooting them in our new home. We want all other communities to join us—we are offering them seats at the table. We have already allocated positions to some, and for those yet to be accommodated, this is their chance to come on board,” he said.
According to him, his new political movement has already garnered significant support, with 139 Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) ready to resign from UDA to contest under the banner of his new party.
“We have several by-elections coming. As of today, 139 MCAs want to resign from UDA and go for by-elections. We are going to force a liberal general election after IEBC is reconstituted,” he stated.
Party composition
During a joint media interview on February 9, 2025, Gachagua announced that he would reveal the name of his newly formed political party in May 2025.
He emphasized that this aligns with his mandate from the people of Mt. Kenya to establish a strong political party that would serve as the region’s signature force, similar to Raila Odinga’s ODM.
“Our party is ready. It is in the showroom, the engine is brand new, the tyres are Michelin, and the driver is Gachagua—he won’t steer it off course. People are eager to know the name. The fifth month is when we will make the big reveal. We will begin opening branches, transitioning people from UDA, and firmly rooting them in our new home. We want all other communities to join us—we are offering them seats at the table. We have already allocated positions to some, and for those yet to be accommodated, this is their chance to come on board,” he said.
While giving details of the party’s composition, Gachagua disclosed that youths (Gen-Zs) would enjoy the lion’s share of representation in the party, ensuring it is dynamic, all-inclusive, and aligned with modern political trends.
“Gen Zs will play a major role and will be key decision-makers. For strategic reasons, I will not be announcing the name of the party today. We will launch it in Nairobi at a venue that will be announced in due time,” he stated.
