A major political rift has erupted in President William Ruto’s UDA party with former allies in the once close-knit outfit now trading barbs in public.
For weeks, there has been a smouldering political row between President Ruto's axis and that of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
On Wednesday, the war exploded with Ruto and Rigathi's men squaring it out in the open.
First to throw a salvo was UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala who openly warned leaders he said are disrespecting the presidency.
He named the leaders, among them Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi.
“I have been deeply concerned by reports of indiscipline amongst a section of elected leaders within our party, UDA,” Malala said in a hard-hitting statement.
“I specifically address recent public sentiments and actions of Githunguri Member of Parliament, Hon Gathoni Wa Muchomba, Kapseret Member of Parliament, Hon Oscar Sudi and Nyeri Governor, Hon Mutahi Kahiga.”
“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.”
Malala also called on politicking Cabinet Secretaries to resign and engage in partisan politics.
But Sudi swiftly hit back describing Malala as ‘an elevated MCA’.
Malala's first stint in politics was as an MCA in Kakamega.
“Elevated MCA suffering from illusory superiority, thinking he matches Raphael Tuju’s calibre,” Sudi fired at Malala.
Now becoming common, the exchanges have caught the attention of UDA founding chairman Johnson Muthama.
The former senator, who condemned the infighting, called for a ceasefire.
“As one of the leaders who worked tirelessly for the formation of this government, I believe our administration is still too young to have conspicuous cracks,” Muthama said.
“As Kenya Kwanza leaders, let us avoid talking at each other and instead embrace talking to each other to solve our differences.”
The developments build on the fallout between Ruto and his deputy that saw Rigathi missing from key state functions, before resurfacing at Endarasha, Nyeri county a week later.
The DP's allies fired a warning shot at Ruto, saying they will not allow Gachagua to be humiliated the same way the President was mistreated in the Jubilee government.
Both Ruto and his deputy are however expected to appear together in public on Thursday during the national prayer day at Safari Park hotel, Nairobi.
The two leaders are also expected to share a podium in Kakamega on Saturday during the Madaraka day celebrations.