Nairobi – Kenya’s ruling party UDA is facing internal unrest and it’s wasting no time cracking the whip.
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has summoned two of its nominated ward representatives over alleged support for a political rival tied to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Joy Mwangi (Nairobi) and Ann Thumbi (Nyeri) have been asked to appear before the UDA disciplinary committee on 20 June. Their offence, according to party officials: backing the newly formed Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), a political outfit said to be championed by Gachagua.
“These actions amount to incitement of party members to leave the UDA,” said Charles Njenga, who chairs the committee. “They demonstrate a total disregard for the party constitution, rules, and code of conduct.”
In letters sent on Thursday, the party accused the two MCAs of attending a DCP event on 15 May and publicly endorsing the breakaway party on social media. Screenshots of their online posts are reportedly part of the evidence being compiled.
A test of party loyalty
At the heart of the dispute is a question of allegiance. The UDA Constitution, like Kenya’s Political Parties Act, bars members from promoting the interests of rival parties. The committee warned that the MCAs’ conduct amounted to gross misconduct and posed a threat to party unity.
“As a member of the UDA, you are obligated to uphold and promote the party’s position,” the letter read.
The two women now face the prospect of suspension, fines or even expulsion if found guilty. They’ve been given until their disciplinary hearing to respond.
Neither Mwangi nor Thumbi responded publicly to the summons by Friday evening.
Gachagua’s shadow
The move comes as political tensions simmer within President William Ruto’s inner circle. Gachagua, once his running mate and Deputy Party Leader, has grown increasingly vocal in recent months. Though still a member of UDA, he has been courting allies under the banner of “grassroots unity” and has not denied links to the DCP.
The DCP has yet to be formally launched, but several politicians in central Kenya have openly aligned themselves with it raising fears of a split within the ruling party.
Political analysts say the fallout may be early signs of a succession scramble, as attention turns to the 2027 General Election.
“Gachagua is testing the waters,” said Dr. Winnie Kamau, a political science lecturer at the University of Nairobi. “He’s gauging how far he can push without triggering a full-blown confrontation. UDA is now forced to choose between reconciliation and discipline.”
A divided house?
Within UDA, reactions are mixed. Some insiders view the disciplinary action as necessary to preserve cohesion. Others worry it could further alienate supporters in Gachagua’s political strongholds.
“This is not just about two MCAs,” one senior party member said off the record. “It’s about a growing sense of dissatisfaction that the leadership hasn’t fully addressed.”
For now, the disciplinary committee is holding firm. But with Kenya’s political landscape already shifting, the party’s next moves will be closely watched.
Whether the UDA can contain internal rebellion or whether Gachagua’s camp gains momentum could shape the race to 2027.
