Gachagua warns against dividing UDA

By Robert Mutasi 

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has warned President William Ruto and the United Democratic Alliance leadership of the impending doom facing the party following the internal division. 

Gachagua expressed concern while speaking at a public function in Thika over what he described as increasing tensions and possible fragmentation in the ranks of the party-something he says must be stemmed through effective steps taken by Ruto.

Gachagua reiterated the need to preserve the cohesion, which has kept UDA strong and warned against any action that was likely to disrupt the growth of the party.

"I would like to ask my boss, President William Ruto, to be cagey and do the right thing and let's keep our house together," he said. The Deputy President was clear in his message, warning the leadership against any move that could alienate or polarize party membership.

The Deputy President also spoke of betrayal and categorically stated that the people for UDA would not brook any form of dishonesty or disloyalty in the party.

The people we come from detest treachery, and they are not particularly forgiving once you betray them. I caution my brother, do not be tempted to head in that direction because these people will be very unforgiving, Gachagua said in issuing a word of caution for whoever may contemplate breaking away from the party's core values.

This is a warning, especially since there have been rumors of differences within the party, and even suggestions that different factions might emerge. 

Gachagua said there was a need not to create room for division, adding that it would take long before such an action was forgotten.

"I want to caution the direction being taken in dividing our UDA house. If the house falls, it shall never be made again," Gachagua observed, showing how serious it was.

His remarks went on to outline the potential dangers internal struggle holds for undermining the party's ability to hold a place in Kenya's political landscape.

For many, though, the comments by the Deputy President represent a clarion appeal to President Ruto for UDA unity, especially as the country readies itself for future political wars.