Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has resigned from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), signalling a bold move to contest the 2027 presidential election against incumbent President William Ruto.
In a letter dated May 12 and addressed to the UDA secretary, Gachagua declared his immediate resignation from the party, citing what he described as a betrayal of its founding principles.
“Reconciling with my conscience, the party that we founded on principles of good governance has now turned out to be the worst enemy to the people of Kenya, to the future of our nation,” he wrote.
Gachagua announced that he would be launching a new political party within the week, promising it would reflect national inclusivity and field candidates for all elective positions.
He expressed his readiness to lead the election campaign if his allies agree that he is the most suitable candidate to unseat President Ruto.
The former deputy president criticised the UDA-led administration for abandoning key campaign promises, particularly the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
He questioned the viability of the Hustler Fund, saying: “What business can Sh500 start sustainably?”
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He further accused the government of failing in critical sectors such as agriculture, housing, and healthcare.
“We pledged to build 250,000 houses annually and employ over 100,000 TVET graduates. Instead, housing has become a personal business venture and a burden on workers’ payslips,” he stated.
On agricultural reforms, he lamented that farmers have been neglected despite earlier assurances of food sufficiency.
“We are being treated to no fertiliser for farmers, and grabbing of agricultural land by the powerful,” he said.
Gachagua’s resignation is expected to intensify political realignments as he joins forces with other opposition leaders, including Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper), Martha Karua (People’s Liberation Party), Eugene Wamalwa (DAP-K), and former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i. While each harbours presidential ambitions, Gachagua affirmed that they would rally behind a single candidate.
He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to the rule of law and the Constitution, declaring that his decision to quit UDA was driven by patriotism and respect for Kenya’s founding ideals.
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