UDA Considers Disciplinary Action Against Lawmakers Who Opposed Gachagua’s Impeachment
President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) is contemplating disciplinary measures against lawmakers who opposed the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
On Thursday, November 6, the party’s founders association released a statement outlining their demands, expressing satisfaction with the outcome of the motion to impeach Gachagua.
The association called for disciplinary action against party members they labeled as insubordinate.
“Regarding the matter at hand, the UDA Founders Association demands that the party take swift action against Members of Parliament who voted against the impeachment motion in light of the serious allegations against him,” the statement read.
Additionally, the association urged the party leadership to remove individuals they viewed as a threat to the positive relationship between President Ruto and AUC aspirant Raila Odinga.
The statement continued, “We demand that the party leadership initiates a thorough overhaul of the House Committees. This purge should eliminate saboteurs who are working against President William Ruto’s agenda and undermining the unity fostered by Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga.”
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In October 2024, 281 Members of the National Assembly supported Gachagua’s impeachment, while 44 voted against it, and one member abstained.
Githunguri lawmaker Gathoni Wamuchomba was one of the most outspoken UDA leaders who defended Gachagua throughout the lengthy court proceedings, which ultimately resulted in his loss.
Wamuchomba previously claimed that Gachagua’s troubles began after President William Ruto selected him as his running mate, a decision she argued provoked political opponents.
Another UDA politician potentially facing consequences is Kandara MP Chege Njuguna, who also voted against Gachagua’s ouster in early October. Other UDA lawmakers, including Kangema MP Peter Kihungi, Gilgil MP Martha Wangari, Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia, and Embakasi North MP James Gakuya, also voted against the impeachment.
The broader context: In October, UDA Secretary-General Hassan Omar revealed that plans were in motion to name Kithure Kindiki as the party’s deputy leader. While court cases challenging Gachagua’s impeachment initially delayed this move, those cases have now concluded.
“We are progressing as a party, committed to uniting Kenyans beyond their ethnic divides, while Mr. Gachagua has been promoting ethnicity, which is why he had to go,” Omar explained.
UDA Considers Disciplinary Action Against Lawmakers Who Opposed Gachagua’s Impeachment