By Our Political Editor
A fresh storm is brewing within the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) as Nominated Nyeri County Assembly MCA Hon. Ann Thumbi seeks court intervention to stop what she terms a “politically motivated purge” by the party’s Disciplinary Committee.
Through her lawyer Ndegwa Njiru, Thumbi has filed an urgent application at the High Court to block enforcement of the summons issued by the UDA Disciplinary Committee. The summons, dated 6 June 2025, accuses Thumbi of engaging in activities of a rival political outfit, the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP).
In her petition, Thumbi argues that the disciplinary proceedings violate her political rights and aim to silence dissent within UDA. She seeks a conservatory order to halt the summons pending the case’s determination. “The petitioner reasonably fears that the outcome of the UDA Disciplinary Committee’s proceedings is predetermined and heavily influenced by the party hierarchy’s desire to make an example of her,” the application states.
Thumbi allegedly attended DCP events on 15 and 24 May 2025, wearing DCP-branded attire and encouraging the public to defect from UDA. The party claims her actions contravene Articles 4.4 and 4.5 of the UDA Constitution, which prohibit members from promoting other political parties’ interests.
The disciplinary letter warns of possible sanctions, including suspension or expulsion, subject to approval by the UDA National Executive Committee.
However, Thumbi has fired back, stating that her actions were motivated by deep concern over UDA’s deviation from its founding ideals. She accuses the party of stifling internal debate, particularly around the contentious “broad-based government” initiative, which she argues has alienated grassroots supporters. “Instead of engaging divergent voices constructively, the party has opted for intimidation and expulsion,” she claims in her affidavit.
The case parallels the recent expulsion of Nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba, who was ousted from the party despite obtaining a court order halting disciplinary proceedings. Thumbi’s legal team argues that Orwoba’s fate demonstrates the futility of due process within UDA, where perceived dissidents are summarily punished.
The petition also accuses the party of double standards, noting that senior members openly associating with rival factions, such as the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), face no similar scrutiny. “The Disciplinary Committee lacks the independence to guarantee a fair hearing,” Thumbi states. “Its members are appointees of the same leadership that has already declared my actions ‘gross misconduct.’”
Political analysts say the case highlights widening cracks within UDA’s internal structures and raises questions about tolerance for dissent in Kenya’s ruling party. Civil society groups have voiced concern over growing signs of authoritarianism cloaked in party discipline.
The High Court is expected to issue a preliminary ruling on staying the disciplinary summons in the coming days. Regardless of the outcome, Thumbi’s case is likely to ignite debate over political freedoms, party democracy, and the cost of defying party orthodoxy in the age of coalition realignments.
