Gachagua’s Resignation From UDA Escalates Explosive Fallout as Party Slams ‘Toxic’ Exit

In a stunning political clash, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) on Monday, May 12, publicly welcomed the resignation of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua — but not without a fierce and blistering rebuke.

What could have been a quiet political departure erupted into a war of words, with UDA branding Gachagua as divisive, backward, and unfit to lead in a modern Kenya.

While Gachagua accused the ruling party of betraying its voters, UDA countered that his exit was not only overdue but also a relief. The political rift signals a deepening fracture within Kenya Kwanza as both camps dig in.

UDA SG Omar Hassan painted the former deputy president as a relic of a bygone era — a man stuck in the past, unable to adapt to a dynamic political and economic vision. [Photo: UDA]

UDA’s Explosive Letter Tears Into Gachagua’s Leadership and Style

The ruling party did not mince words in its response. UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar issued a scathing letter that tore into Gachagua’s resignation and legacy, calling it a “futile attempt to rewrite the facts of his incompetence.”

“Through your resignation, the party has now fully offloaded a toxic, archaic, polarising and viscous individual,” Omar declared. “Though inconsequential, your public resignation from UDA is a welcome announcement to citizens that Kenya’s most divisive character is out.”

The letter, which circulated widely across social media and news platforms, accused Gachagua of failing to grasp the responsibilities of his office and of undermining the very government he once helped lead.

It painted the former deputy president as a relic of a bygone era — a man stuck in the past, unable to adapt to a dynamic political and economic vision.

In a direct hit, Omar wrote, “You failed to exhibit the shift from being a colonial auxiliary, who through hatred, in word and deed, attempted and continues to sow the seeds of division in Kenya, into a transformative leader.”

The party said Gachagua had become a political liability, unable to understand or promote the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which is at the heart of UDA’s governance model.

UDA Dismisses Gachagua’s Resignation as Pointless and Invalid

Adding insult to injury, UDA dismissed Gachagua’s resignation as both irrelevant and invalid. According to the party, Gachagua technically stopped being a member in 2024 when he was impeached and removed as Deputy Party Leader.

“The ruling party officially removed one Rigathi Gachagua as its Deputy Party Leader, which automatically revoked his membership,” the party noted.

That counter-claim now fuels a legal and political tussle over whether Gachagua resigned or was already expelled. But UDA made one thing clear: his departure, however it happened, is final and beneficial to the party’s future.

Behind the harsh tone lies a deeper message — UDA wants to cleanse its image and refocus its energy on unity and development. With 2027 on the horizon, the party appears keen to distance itself from what it describes as “polarising” forces.

Gachagua Vows Political Comeback Amid Party Row

Despite the hostile response from UDA, Gachagua is not retreating quietly. In his resignation letter sent on May 12, he blamed the Kenya Kwanza administration for abandoning its promises to the people.

He pointed to broken pledges on national unity, economic inclusion, justice, and prosperity. According to him, the government had drifted into what he called a “retrogressive philosophy.”

The former deputy president has also announced plans to launch his own political party, escalating the confrontation between him and President Ruto’s allies. His next moves could reshape the political landscape ahead of the next general election.

Still, his critics argue that his political capital has dwindled. Seven months after his impeachment, he has struggled to rally significant national support.

Conclusion

The Gachagua UDA resignation debacle is more than a personal fallout. It exposes a widening rift within the ruling coalition and sharpens questions about UDA’s internal coherence.

While the party has chosen to slam the door shut with unfiltered language, Gachagua seems ready to fight back with a new political vehicle.

Whether this signals a realignment of Kenyan politics or just more noise remains to be seen — but the message from UDA is clear: Gachagua is out, and he won’t be missed.