Why I Won't Announce Name Of Party Today: Gachagua

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua will not announce the name of his new party today, Sunday, February 9.

Gachagua, who was impeached by Parliament as the DP, confirmed this during a joint media interview with vernacular TV and radio stations, citing strategic reasons, despite assuring that the party was ready to go.

He however revealed that a ceremony would be in place to launch the party, set to be held in Nairobi at an exact date that shall be communicated.

"For strategic reasons, I’ll not announce the name of the party today but the party is ready and it is a good party with a good Constitution. Everything is done and that is what is remaining but we shall launch the party in a colourful ceremony in Nairobi at a venue to be announced so that we can all come together from the whole country…from there, it is all systems go," he announced.

Gachagua is set to launch the new party in May 2025 and set up offices nationwide. He remarked that most communities are on board, with final consultations ongoing, including significant input from Gen Z.

"Our vehicle is ready. It is in the showroom, a brand-new vehicle. However, I will not name the number plate and its colour. Our enemies might sabotage its launch but we will unveil in May 2025 and we will start opening offices and allow all Kenyans to join," he said.

Meanwhile, he announced that the Mt. Kenya region had ended all ties with President William Ruto and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party, adding that he won’t face the upcoming 2027 elections without his own party. He also confirmed that he is in the process of building an inclusive party as the region’s home.

"On behalf of the people and leaders of the Mountainside, we've agreed to distance ourselves from supporting William Ruto. Furthermore, we have decided to disassociate and leave the UDA party," he affirmed.

Gachagua also took a swipe at Ruto’s perceived attempts to weaken the Mount Kenya region politically, warning that such moves would not succeed.

"I have been asked to look for friends. Our friends have resolved that they will not allow Ruto's plan to isolate the mountain starting with Ukambani which is now known as Mount Kenya South," he stated.