Runyenjes MP Eric Muchangi Karemba has officially left President William Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and joined Rigathi Gachagua's Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP). This move deepens the fracture within the Mt Kenya political establishment. Gachagua confirmed Karemba's defection on Friday, November 13, after receiving him at his Wamunyoro residence. Karemba, who is serving his second term in the National Assembly, was re-elected in 2022 on a UDA ticket.
Gachagua welcomed Karemba to the DCP Party and announced plans to visit Runyenjes Constituency to popularise Karemba's new move. He stated that DCP is the party of the present and the future. Karemba declared Gachagua his new party leader and said the move represents a fresh political footing. He expressed his excitement to join forces with Gachagua to provide alternative and better leadership for their county and country.
Karemba's defection is not an isolated incident. Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji, who had earlier left UDA for DCP, was present when Karemba made the announcement. Mukunji is positioning himself for the Embu governorship in the 2027 election, which puts him on a direct collision course with incumbent Governor Cecily Mbarire. Mbarire also serves as UDA's national chairperson, making Karemba's departure a particularly uncomfortable development for the ruling party's most senior official in Embu County.
The Runyenjes MP's exit is the latest episode in a broader departure of Mt Kenya elected officials from UDA since Gachagua's split with Ruto culminated in his impeachment as deputy president in October 2024. The wave of exits began in earnest in May, when Murang'a governor Irungu Kang'ata announced his departure from UDA on the same day Ruto visited the county. Several other leaders have since followed suit, citing constituent pressure and a desire for change.
The defections have dealt a blow to President Ruto's UDA party, which has been struggling to maintain its grip on the Mt Kenya region. Gachagua's DCP, on the other hand, has gained significant momentum, with its candidate securing an 85% victory in the July 16 Ol Kalou by-election. Karemba's defection is seen as a significant coup for Gachagua, who is positioning himself as a major player in Kenyan politics.
The implications of Karemba's defection are far-reaching, with many analysts predicting that it will have a ripple effect on the Mt Kenya region. The region has traditionally been a stronghold for UDA, but the recent defections suggest that the party's grip on the region is loosening. Gachagua's DCP is emerging as a major challenger to UDA's dominance, and Karemba's defection is seen as a significant boost to the party's chances.
As the political landscape in Kenya continues to shift, one thing is clear: the Mt Kenya region is emerging as a key battleground in the run-up to the 2027 elections. With Karemba's defection, Gachagua's DCP has gained significant momentum, and it will be interesting to see how UDA responds to the challenge. For now, it is clear that the dynamics of Kenyan politics have shifted, and the players are positioning themselves for the next phase of the game.
Key points
- Runyenjes MP Eric Muchangi Karemba defects from President Ruto's UDA to Rigathi Gachagua's Democracy for Citizens Party
- Karemba's defection is part of a broader trend of Mt Kenya elected officials leaving UDA since Gachagua's impeachment as deputy president in October 2024
- The defections have dealt a blow to President Ruto's UDA party and boosted Gachagua's DCP, which has gained significant momentum in the region
