Ruto Allies Downplay UDA Defections as Mt Kenya Political Realignments Gather Pace

President William Ruto’s allies have dismissed concerns over a growing number of defections from the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), maintaining that the departures will not derail his 2027 re-election bid.

The remarks come amid political realignments in the Mt Kenya region, where several leaders have abandoned the President’s camp or indicated plans to seek alternative political parties.

The developments have raised questions about UDA’s ability to maintain support in a region that overwhelmingly backed Ruto in the 2022 General Election. However, his allies insist that the anticipated mass exodus has not materialised, arguing that movement between political parties is common ahead of elections.

Ruto Allies Dismiss Mass Exodus Claims

Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi said UDA remained unconcerned about the defections, arguing that the number of leaders leaving the party was lower than initially anticipated.

“We are not worried at all. If you look at how it was hyped that there would be mass exodus, we are yet to see that. People have not gone that way,” Wamumbi said.

He acknowledged that some politicians would leave the ruling party but dismissed suggestions that the departures would reach significant proportions.

“One or two will automatically go, but not to the extent we were told. People expected mass exodus which has not happened. And even so, this is the season that people move. The window of movement is open,” he added.

Nyeri Town MP Duncan Mathenge also argued that the defections should not be interpreted as evidence of a wider revolt against the President.

“At this point in time, I have only seen Wamuchomba, but even then, she had defected and came back. It is not a yardstick or an indicator that there is movement,” Mathenge said, referring to Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba.

Mathenge maintained that political defections were a normal part of election preparations, noting that politicians across the political divide were changing parties.

“Movement from one party to another is normal in politics. Sifuna left ODM for The Equitable Party, is that a defection? When Kalonzo left Azimio and formed Ukombozi. The movement is not the preserve or worry of any political party,” he said.

He added that political realignments were only beginning and would affect both government and opposition parties.

Mwea MP Mary Maingi also expressed confidence in UDA, arguing that leaders who had delivered on their promises to constituents had little reason to fear political shifts.

“Anyone without a stand is a person who can fall for anything. There is no cause for alarm. A party is a vehicle to take where you are going. As long as you have worked for your people, you will not be shaken by the wave,” she said.

Tabitha Karanja Joins Gachagua’s DCP

Despite the assurances from Ruto’s allies, several departures have continued to draw attention to the changing political landscape in Mt Kenya.

On Friday, October 9, Nakuru Senator Tabitha Karanja, popularly known as Keroche, defected from UDA to the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

Karanja also announced her intention to challenge Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika in the 2027 General Election.

Her move came a day after Wamuchomba announced that she would neither support nor campaign for Ruto nor defend her parliamentary seat on a UDA ticket.

Karanja said her decision followed consultations with voters who, she claimed, felt disappointed by the government they had helped elect.

“I want to tell my party leader, I have listened to the ground and the people have told me they had a lot of expectations from this government. They woke up early to vote for this government but they haven’t what they were promised,” she said.

She reminded the President that elected leaders ultimately answer to the voters who put them in office.

“I know very well that you people are my employers. You are my bosses. Even if I went to the Senate, my party leader knows very well who employed me. It is you people who employed me,” Karanja added.

She said joining DCP offered her the best chance of defeating Kihika in the gubernatorial race.

More Mt Kenya Leaders Consider Their Options

Karanja’s defection adds to a growing list of political realignments involving leaders previously associated with either Ruto’s administration or Gachagua’s camp.

Wamuchomba is seeking a new political home after previously moving from Gachagua’s side to the government camp. She has since accused UDA of failing to listen to Kenyans and showing contempt towards some communities.

In August, Gatundu North MP George Kagombe, popularly known as GG Kagombe, also defected to DCP.

Other leaders have either joined rival political formations or indicated that they will announce their next moves later.

Nyandarua Governor Kiarie Badilisha and Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata have joined DCP, while Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga and Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi have signalled that they will reveal their political plans in due course.

Juja MP George Koimburi, another former Gachagua ally who moved towards the government, has also recently expressed dissatisfaction with the ruling party.

Meanwhile, Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro has established a separate political vehicle, the People’s Party of Kenya (PPK), potentially offering another option to politicians seeking distance from UDA.

The emergence of multiple political formations could complicate Gachagua’s efforts to consolidate Mt Kenya behind DCP, even as the parties provide alternative platforms for leaders dissatisfied with the ruling party.

Political Analyst Predicts More Defections

Lawyer Kibe Mungai believes defections from UDA could intensify in the coming months as politicians respond to public dissatisfaction.

“We have a situation in the country where, if you listen or care to listen to the people, you can clearly see people are moving away from UDA,” Mungai said.

He predicted that Linda Mwananchi and DCP could emerge as significant political forces ahead of the 2027 election.

“ODM is dying, and you will have it that the growth parties will likely be Linda Mwananchi and DCP,” he added.

Mungai warned that the next two to three months could see more politicians change parties as they settle on the formations they believe will offer them the best chance of winning in 2027.

Ruto’s Mt Kenya Support Under Pressure

Ruto’s political standing in the Mt Kenya region came under strain following Gachagua’s impeachment in October 2024.

Since then, Gachagua has positioned himself as a vocal critic of the administration, accusing the President of betraying a community that overwhelmingly supported him in the last election.

The government has responded with development projects, infrastructure investments and efforts to strengthen Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s regional standing.

However, the latest defections have raised questions about whether development spending and political appointments will be enough to restore UDA’s relationship with voters.

The challenge facing Ruto is not only to retain elected leaders but also to maintain public support amid competing political formations and growing discontent.