Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is set to unveil his new political party in May 2025, with a grand launch planned in Nairobi. This move comes amid escalating tensions within the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and signals a decisive break from President William Ruto’s leadership.
Gachagua, who was impeached in October 2024, has been vocal about his disillusionment with the UDA and President Ruto. He has accused the current administration of betrayal and failing to uphold the interests of the Mt. Kenya region. In a recent statement, Gachagua lamented, “We used someone else’s vehicle (UDA), and they abandoned us along the way. We have learned the hard way, but we will not make the same mistake again.”
The former Deputy President has been meticulously strategizing his political comeback, engaging in extensive consultations across the country. Initially, he had promised to announce his political direction by early February but extended the timeline to ensure comprehensive engagement with stakeholders. “I thought only the mountain was interested, but the goodwill is overwhelming, with interest coming from across the country,” Gachagua explained.
Gachagua’s new party aims to consolidate support within the Mt. Kenya region and attract a national following. He has emphasized the need for a political vehicle that genuinely represents the people’s interests, contrasting it with his previous alliance with UDA, which he now views as a miscalculation. “We joined the government without an agreement, basing it on faith and Christianity. We thought Ruto was good because he was a Christian, and we cannot repeat the mistakes we made,” he reflected.
The anticipated launch in May is expected to be a significant event, with political analysts predicting it will “shake the country’s political landscape.” Embakasi North MP James Gakuya stated, “The People’s Deputy President will soon, in the next weeks, launch the party that will shake the country’s political landscape.”
As the political dynamics evolve, all eyes will be on Gachagua’s next moves and how his new party will influence the run-up to the 2027 General Elections. The formation of this party not only signifies a personal political revival for Gachagua but also highlights the shifting allegiances within Kenya’s political elite.
