Gachagua Must Go, MPs Who Defended Him Should Face Discipline
The United Democratic Alliance Founding Members Association (UFMA) has urged for the swift expulsion of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua from the UDA party, following his recent impeachment by Parliament. In a statement issued on Thursday, UFMA expressed support for both the National Assembly and Senate’s decision, lauding the legislative bodies for adhering to due process in removing Gachagua from office.
UFMA’s Chairperson, Joe Khalende, emphasized that while Gachagua retains the right to contest his impeachment in court, he should relinquish all affiliations with the UDA and disengage from political ties to the party. “While the former DP has a right to legal recourse in courts, we as the UDA Founders Association hold that he was properly impeached and therefore should disentangle from our party and sever any other political ties forthwith,” stated Khalende.
The Association has called upon UDA’s National Steering Committee and National Executive Committee to immediately initiate the necessary steps for Gachagua’s expulsion. They further advocated for Prof. Kithure Kindiki to be designated as the new Deputy Party Leader, and suggested that the party could explore establishing an additional Deputy Leader position to enhance inclusivity. Khalende underscored, “The Party’s leadership to nominate DP designate Professor Kithure Kindiki as the Deputy Party Leader. Additionally, the Party’s top decision-making organ can consider an earlier proposal to create another position of Deputy Party Leader in the spirit of broad-based democracy.”
In the same vein, UFMA demanded disciplinary actions against Members of Parliament who opposed Gachagua’s ouster. According to the Association, these MPs not only “brought shame and disrepute” to the UDA but also obstructed President William Ruto’s development agenda. “The Party initiates disciplinary action against Members of Parliament who voted against ouster Motion on impeached DP in the light of grave charges levelled against him. We opine that the MPs who defended the disgraced DP brought shame and disrepute to the Party and are guilty by association,” Khalende remarked.
Moreover, the Association has called for a thorough reorganization within parliamentary committees, recommending a “radical purge” to remove individuals they believe are working to undermine the President’s agenda and threaten party unity. Khalende emphasized the importance of ensuring that party structures reflect “the spirit of unity as exemplified by Raila Odinga.”
In addition, UFMA urged UDA leadership to complete audits and streamline procurement procedures under former Secretary General Cleophas Malalah. The Association also requested that the party finalize grassroots elections and formally appoint officials to key roles.
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Gachagua Must Go, MPs Who Defended Him Should Face Discipline
