Silverio Omari
New Deputy President Kithure Kindiki is set to assume the role of UDA Deputy Party Leader, following his swearing-in on November 1, succeeding Rigathi Gachagua, who was recently impeached by parliament.
Party officials have indicated that the National Executive Council (NEC) will meet next week to formalize these leadership changes. The NEC meeting will also move to expel Gachagua from his roles as deputy party leader and member, in accordance with UDA’s internal regulations.
“The UDA constitution designates the President as party leader and the Deputy President as deputy party leader. We expect the NEC meeting, potentially scheduled for Monday, November 4, 2024, to finalize Kindiki’s appointment,” said party chair Cecily Mbarire on Friday. According to the UDA constitution, only the Deputy President can hold the title of deputy party leader.
The party’s National Treasurer, Japhet Nyakundi, recently reaffirmed that they no longer recognize Gachagua in this capacity.
The NEC, UDA’s key decision-making body, comprises national officials, parliamentary leaders and whips, the Governors’ caucus chair and whip, the County Assembly caucus chair and whip, and the Executive Director as an ex-officio member. Convened upon the Secretary General’s notice or by a 25 percent request from members, the NEC recently amended the party constitution in May to create one deputy party leader role and two assistant deputy leader roles, overseeing policy, operations, and programs.
Kindiki’s elevation comes as UDA prepares to resume its grassroots elections, paused in June, marking a strategic moment for the party’s growth.
Dj Vnyash
