Ann Thumbi: Tribunal Stops UDA from Disciplining Nominated MCA for Attending Gachagua Rally

• UDA faced a legal pushback after initiating disciplinary action against nominated MCA Ann Thumbi over her links to Rigathi Gachagua’s new party
• The Political Parties Disputes Tribunal froze the ruling amid claims of political persecution and due process violations
• Thumbi said her position was at risk and accused UDA of using power to settle political scores

TUKO.co.ke journalist Harry Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya

The Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT) has temporarily stopped the enforcement of a disciplinary decision by the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) against nominated MCA Ann Thumbi.

The action stemmed from accusations that Thumbi incited the public and associated herself with Rigathi Gachagua’s newly launched Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP).

In orders dated July 18 and seen by TUKO.co.ke, tribunal presiding member Gad Gathu Kiragu certified Thumbi’s case as urgent.

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He directed that her complaint and notice of Motion be served immediately on UDA, its disciplinary committee chairperson Charles Njenga, and all relevant parties.

“Pending the hearing and determination of the notice of motion application dated July 14, a conservatory order do issue staying the decision or outcome in UDA complaint No. 5 of 2025, UDA vs Ann Thumbi,” the tribunal ruled.

Why did UDA summon Ann Thumbi?

Represented by lawyer Moses Mabeya, Thumbi moved to court after being summoned by UDA on June 20.

The summons came days after she attended a DCP rally, which UDA claimed was a violation of party rules.

Through a certificate of urgency, Mabeya told the tribunal that the disciplinary process was a clear abuse of power.

“The 1st respondent held a disciplinary hearing on June 20, that to the complainant was marred with impropriety and unfair on the face of the record, and is abuse of power that this honourable tribunal is mandated to check,” he submitted.

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According to UDA’s disciplinary committee, both Thumbi and fellow nominated MCA Joy Muthoni Mwangi took part in a DCP rally on May 15.

The two were allegedly spotted in DCP-branded gear, promoting the party’s agenda and encouraging locals to join.

Mabeya warned that without urgent intervention, UDA’s disciplinary team would move to strip Thumbi of her seat and membership, violating her constitutional rights.

Does UDA want to remove Ann Thumbi from office?

He argued that allowing such actions to proceed would set a dangerous precedent for internal party discipline in Kenya.

In her sworn affidavit seen by TUKO.co.ke, Thumbi confirmed she received the party's summons on June 7.

“That on or about the June 7, I received a letter from the 1st respondent referenced UDA/8/DISP/25 summoning me to appear before its disciplinary committee on June 20, to respond to allegations concerning my attendance at a DCP rally and alleged incitement,” her statement read.

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She warned that she faced immediate risk of removal from office.

“The committee's conduct demonstrates arbitrariness and political persecution intended to unfairly remove me from the party and my MCA position. Unless this tribunal intervenes, I risk losing my seat and being denied due process,” Thumbi stated.

The case will be mentioned on July 24, at 4:00 p.m. for further directions.

In a stern warning, the tribunal cautioned all parties against disobeying its orders, warning that any disobedience or non-observance of the order of the court served will result in penal consequences.

Was UDA out to silence Gloria Orwoba?

In a related development, the High Court temporarily halted disciplinary action by UDA against nominated former senator Gloria Orwoba after she moved to court to challenge the summons.

She argued the disciplinary process was politically motivated and intended to punish her for attending former CS Fred Matiang’i’s homecoming and endorsing his 2027 presidential bid.

Orwoba claimed the summons were issued even before a formal complaint was filed, calling the process a political witch hunt lacking transparency and fairness.

Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke