Deputy President (DP) Rigathi Gachagua has denied media reports of him allegedly acquiring a new political party.

In a statement seen by TV47 Digital, DP Gachagua through his communications team termed the reports as one-sided.

One of the local dailies said the second in command was in search of a new political formation following his alleged fall out with President William Ruto.

In his response, Gachagua asserted that he was the deputy party leader of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Party, therefore had no interest in another political vehicle.

“This one-sided false and concocted story is laced with innuendos and malice. To associate His Excellency the Deputy President with another political party, especially one with questionable association can only have been done in bad faith, with the sole intention of undermining His Excellency’s role as the Deputy Party leader of the UDA Party,” the statement read in part.

This comes amid rift within the ruling party, with Secretary General Cleophas Malala today (Wednesday) calling out certain leaders for misrepresenting the party.

In his press statement, Malala called out Kapseret Member of Parliament (MP) Oscar Sudi, who over the weekend made certain remarks against DP Gachagua.

“Your recent conduct not only undermines the party’s unity but also disrespects the leadership that you pledged to serve. Let this be a stern warning: desist from such actions with immediate effect. Should this behaviour persist, the party will take disciplinary action against you,” read part of his statement.

Other UDA leaders warned in the statement are; cabinet secretaries Kipchumba Murkomen (Transport), Moses Kuria (Public Service, Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga and Githunguri Member of Parliament Gathoni Wamuchomba.

This comes as UDA embarks on grassroot elections, with a fierce battle underway for the next Nairobi region leader.

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja is battling for the seat against Embakasi North MP James Gakuya, who is reportedly being backed by DP Gachagua.