Kericho
Saturday, 8 June, 2024
By Felix Mogaka
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua dismissed claims of turmoil within the UDA party, denying any crisis meeting was held.
Addressing a gathered crowd at the Mercy Church of Africa in Kericho County during a drive, Gachagua dismissed claims of crisis, asserting that the recent meeting was merely focused on internal party matters, particularly the ongoing UDA elections.
“What crisis? There is no crisis meeting,”he said.
He clarified that the meeting he chaired was aimed at strengthening the party and discussing upcoming election plans while President William Ruto was abroad.
“When the President was away, he entrusted me to convene that meeting, emphasizing our commitment to fortify our party,” Gachagua said.
Gachagua laughed off attempts by external forces to sow seeds of confusion within the party, dismissing their agenda-setting endeavors.
“Let nobody set an agenda for us. We are steadfast in building our party based on our ideology,” he said.
Emphasizing the importance of such gatherings, Gachagua assured the crowd that the party would continue holding meetings as part of its routine procedures to maintain dynamism and cohesion.
“As a party, we shall persist in strengthening ourselves,” he affirmed, his resolve unwavering.
However, beneath the surface, tensions simmered, fueled by reports of a crisis National Executive Committee meeting allegedly called by President Ruto to address emerging rifts within the UDA.
The anticipation of the upcoming Parliamentary Group meeting on June 17, chaired by President Ruto to garner support for the Finance Bill, 2024, added to the atmosphere of uncertainty.
Despite the external pressures and internal challenges, Gachagua remained resolute, buoyed by the support of fellow leaders including Kericho Governor Erick Mutai, Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, and MP Justice Kemei, who stood by his side during the fundraiser.
As the event concluded, Gachagua exchanged nods of assurance with his allies, silently reaffirming their commitment to weathering the storm together.
With the echoes of his impassioned speech still reverberating, the stage was set for the UDA to navigate the turbulent waters ahead, guided by the unwavering leadership of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.