President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party has officially incorporated Deputy President Kithure Kindiki as the first Deputy Party leader.

In a notice published on Thursday, January 23, 2025, UDA notified its members and the general public of this move that officiated the removal of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua as its deputy party leader.

The decision follows a meeting of UDA’s National Executive Committee (NEC) on November 11, 2024, which recommended Gachagua’s removal based on the party’s constitution.

“Pursuant to and in accordance with Section 20(2) of the Political Parties Act, 2011, the United Democratic Alliance Party notifies its members and the general public of the following changes in the office of the Deputy Party Leader on an interim basis,” the notice reads.

Despite the notice signed by UDA national chairperson Cecily Mbarire and secretary-general Hassan Omar, Gachagua’s ouster will only be legally binding if and when the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) ratifies the resolution.

UDA-ANC merger

Kindiki’s appointment comes days after UDA merged with Musalia Mudavadi’s Amani National Congress (ANC). In a statement on Friday, January 17, 2025, UDA announced that Lamu Governor Issa Timamy will also assume the role of a deputy party Leader.

The changes saw UDA secretary-general Omar deputized by Emuhaya MP Omboko Milemba, while Mwala MP Vincent Kawaya will remain the national organizing secretary and Japheth Nyakundi the national treasurer.

President William Ruto remains the party leader while Cecily Mbarire, deputized by Kelvin Lunani, becomes the national vice-chairperson.

Gachagua impeached

On Thursday, October 17, 2024, former Deputy President Gachagua was impeached by the Senate.

Gachagua, who was facing 11 charges, was found guilty of five out of the eleven counts against him.

Gachagua was found guilty on the charge of gross violation of Articles 10, 27, 73, 75, and 129, which involved his alleged failure to uphold the national values and principles of governance.

He was also found guilty of violating his oath of office, violation of judicial independence, and committing crimes under the National Cohesion and Integration Act.