UDA Tightens Grip on Gachagua Loyalists Amid Leadership Struggles

The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) finds itself embroiled in internal strife following the expulsion of Nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba, a move that has intensified concerns among lawmakers allied to impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. 

The party's swift action and the subsequent gazetting of Orwoba's vacant seat have sparked fears of further disciplinary measures against members perceived as disloyal. The UDA's National Executive Committee (NEC) has reportedly instructed officials to monitor and document public statements made by members suspected of defiance. Sources reveal a particular focus on nominated members, whose replacement does not trigger a by-election, streamlining potential removal processes.

For elected legislators, the party is allegedly employing disciplinary procedures as a strategic tactic to keep dissenting members occupied with legal battles. This approach aims to expedite disciplinary processes and circumvent the challenges encountered by former President Uhuru Kenyatta and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga in their previous efforts to discipline rebellious members.

Allies of Gachagua have reported facing various forms of intimidation beyond expulsion or committee removals. These include pressure from investigative agencies, the withdrawal of security details, restricted access to key venues, denial of political rally permits, threats of arrest, anti-corruption investigations, and financial incentives intended to sway their cooperation.

Orwoba secured a temporary reprieve on Wednesday when the High Court issued orders halting her removal, pending a ruling on her case against UDA’s disciplinary committee and the Registrar of Political Parties. Her recent public support for former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, who has engaged in coalition talks with Gachagua, has strained her relationship with UDA leadership. However, the court ruling came after Senate Speaker Amason Kingi had already ratified her expulsion and declared her seat vacant.

UDA National Organising Secretary Vincent Musau defended the party’s disciplinary actions, affirming that leadership will continue to enforce party loyalty. He clarified that while members are free to attend public rallies organised by rival parties, they must refrain from publicly challenging UDA’s manifesto or policy decisions.

“We are addressing these cases individually. Attending events with opposition leaders is not the issue—openly defying party policy is,” Musau stated, adding that the NEC had deliberated on further disciplinary measures against elected MPs who have publicly defied the party’s position.

“There are no formal complaints against other members yet, but we are closely observing their statements and actions,” he noted.

The crackdown on dissenters has unsettled Gachagua’s faction, given the party’s firm approach to dealing with perceived rebels. Gachagua himself was impeached in October. His allies in both the Senate and the National Assembly were subsequently removed from key leadership positions in parliamentary committees.

Legislators affected by the internal purge include Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, the former chair of the Budget and Appropriations Committee; Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu; Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang’wa; and Kirinyaga Senator James Murango. Embakasi North MP James Gakuya, former chair of the Trade, Industry and Cooperatives Committee; Runyenjes MP Eric Karemba, former head of the Labour Committee; Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia, who chaired the Regional Integration Committee; and Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba, who was moved from chairing the Constitutional Implementation Oversight Committee (CIOC) to the Facilities and Services Committee, were also impacted.