Mt Kenya MPs who supported President William Ruto's UDA party in the 2022 general election are facing a political dilemma. The region overwhelmingly voted for Ruto's UDA, giving him 3.5 million of the 7.1 million votes he garnered. However, since the impeachment of then Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in October 2024, political tides in the region have shifted against MPs who supported his removal. Gachagua has formed his own party, the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), which has gained traction in the region.
Gachagua's DCP has gained popularity in the Mt Kenya region, with some MPs who supported his impeachment being branded "traitors" to the community. The DCP leader has borrowed phrasing from the Mau Mau struggle, labelling those who collaborated with the British colonial administration as traitors. Those who fought colonial rule were regarded as heroes. This messaging has shaped political perceptions in the region, with DCP appearing to have gained an advantage over UDA. The Ol-Kalou by-election on July 16 saw DCP's Kamau Ngotho defeat UDA's Samuel Muchina by 35,440 votes to 5,450 votes.
UDA-allied MPs have begun devising strategies to navigate the political predicament. One strategy is to form alternative political parties to gradually distance themselves from UDA. According to the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties, more than 30 of the country's over 90 political parties originate from the Mt Kenya region. Some MPs have defected from UDA to join other parties, including the Peoples' Party of Kenya. Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro defected from UDA to join the Peoples' Party of Kenya.
Several other parties have emerged as alternative political vehicles for politicians seeking to avoid the anti-UDA backlash. Nderitu Muriithi, a former Laikipia governor, is seeking to reclaim the seat in 2027. Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui has rejoined the Ubuntu Peoples' Party. Ndia MP George Kariuki has reportedly acquired The National Party. Kinyanjui is seeking the Nakuru governorship, a position he held between 2017 and 2022.
Other politicians have also made high-profile defections from UDA. Murang'a Governor Irungu Kang'ata and his Nyandarua counterpart Kiarie Badilisha have joined DCP. Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi has publicly distanced himself from UDA. Nakuru Senator Tabitha Karanja has announced her departure from UDA and plans to contest the Nakuru gubernatorial race on a DCP ticket. Several MPs have also shifted their political positions.
The central question is whether these politicians can win back the anti-UDA electorate. Political analyst Prof Macharia Munene says the MPs face a herculean task in winning over a region already "radicalised" against the current administration. Munene argues that while most MPs may have come to terms with their political predicament, the formation of alternative parties is intended to save them from sinking into political oblivion after 2027.
Some MPs have announced plans to contest the 2027 election on new parties. Kieni MP Njoroge Wainaina has formed his own party, the Ufanisi Kenya Party. Runyenjes MP Eric Karemba has announced that he will not defend his seat on a UDA ticket. Molo MP Kuria Kimani has said he will defend his seat on a UDA ticket but is ready to join Gachagua's DCP if it wins the election.
Key points
- Mt Kenya MPs allied to President William Ruto's UDA are exploring new political vehicles amid declining popularity.
- The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) has gained traction in the region, with some MPs who supported Gachagua's impeachment being branded "traitors" to the community.
- The formation of alternative parties is intended to save MPs from sinking into political oblivion after 2027.
