Gachagua to launch new party on May 15

By Wanderi Kamau

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has picked May 15 as the official date to unveil his new political party, setting the stage for a major political showdown with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ahead of the upcoming by-elections.

According to close allies, the party will be formally introduced to the public ahead of a major political gathering scheduled for May 29.

Initially, Gachagua had planned to launch the party earlier in the year, but he postponed the event to May, citing what he described as an “overwhelming show of interest” from supporters across his political stronghold, particularly in the Mt Kenya region.

Gatanga MP Edward Muriu, a key confidant of Gachagua, confirmed the revised dates while Embakasi Central MP Benjamin Gathiru revealed that preparations were already underway to field candidates in the upcoming by-elections under the new party’s banner.

Gathiru further noted that several elected leaders, especially those from Mt Kenya, were contemplating resigning from UDA in order to seek re-election under Gachagua’s new political vehicle.

Leaders eye fresh mandate in upcoming by-elections

Back in February, Gachagua had claimed that up to 139 Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) had expressed their readiness to leave UDA and seek a fresh mandate, signaling significant political shifts within the ruling coalition’s base.

“We are going to trigger a mini-general election once the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is reconstituted. Our people are tired of pretending. The Mt Kenya community values honesty and integrity,” Gachagua stated. “Any leader who listens to the voice of the people and chooses to resign will be re-elected with a strong mandate. They will become heroes in the eyes of the electorate,” he added.

Political analysts suggest that the outcomes of the pending by-elections could be a clear indicator of shifting allegiances and emerging power dynamics ahead of the 2027 general elections. These by-elections will serve as a critical test for President Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga, particularly in constituencies such as Magarini, Banisa, Malava, Ugunja, and the Baringo senatorial seat.

In addition to these high-stakes contests, eight ward-level by-elections across the country are also expected once the IEBC is fully reconstituted. Observers believe the new party’s performance in these races will determine its viability as a national force and reshape Kenya’s political equation in the months ahead.