UDA National Youth Leader Cedric Mike Otieno praised Deputy President Prof. Abraham Kithure Kindiki on his recent appointment as UDA Deputy Party Leader, a role he assumed following the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Kindiki’s appointment was formalized during a UDA National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Nairobi, making him both the Deputy President and Deputy Party Leader for UDA, marking a pivotal moment in Kenya’s political history.
Speaking in Kisumu shortly after the announcement, Otieno expressed his confidence in Kindiki’s leadership and commitment to steering the party forward.
“Congratulations, Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki, on your new role,” Otieno stated. “We trust in your vision to lead the party, and we stand ready to work together to realize the Kenya Kwanza government’s goals.”
The UDA, led by President William Ruto, stands as the primary party in the Kenya Kwanza Alliance, which also includes Ford Kenya and Maendeleo Chapa Chap (MCCP). Announcing the decision, UDA Chairperson and Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire said, “By virtue of the National Assembly and Senate’s resolution, and through constitutional provisions, Rigathi Gachagua is unable to perform the duties of Deputy Party Leader. The NEC has thus resolved to designate Prof. Kithure Kindiki as the Deputy Party Leader, effective immediately.”
In response, Kindiki expressed gratitude for the opportunity to support President Ruto in advancing the party’s mission.
“It is an honor to serve as Deputy Party Leader and assist the President in fulfilling UDA’s agenda,” he remarked.
Otieno also took the opportunity to support the newly launched Social Health Authority (SHA) program, spearheaded by President Ruto.
“The SHA program is a game-changer, especially for women, providing critical healthcare support during and after pregnancy,” he said, urging Kenyans to register for the program that has replaced the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF). “Health remains a key pillar of the Kenya Kwanza manifesto, and we are committed to ensuring Kenyans understand the benefits of this new health model.”
Otieno commended President Ruto and Health Cabinet Secretary Deborah Nyokabi for their efforts to ensure healthcare access for all Kenyans, noting that the SHA program has already shown significant benefits, particularly for low-income earners. Flanked by women who have benefited from SHA, Otieno stressed the need for widespread enrollment to maximize impact across the country.
