Top Leaders in Mt Kenya Shun UDA
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) is seeing a decline in political support in Mt Kenya, with recent registration data for the 2027 General Election revealing a sharp contrast to its stronghold in the Rift Valley.
While the Rift Valley has seen a surge in aspirants across all elective positions, Mt Kenya counties such as Embu, Murang’a, Laikipia, and Nyandarua have recorded minimal interest, with some regions failing to register any candidates for governor. In contrast, counties like Baringo, Kericho, and Nandi have seen high numbers of hopefuls for gubernatorial and senatorial seats.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki attempted to downplay the figures, explaining that incumbent UDA governors, senators, MPs, and MCAs are not required to register at this stage, with the process remaining open until 90 days before the election. Nonetheless, this explanation has done little to quell concerns about UDA’s diminishing influence in the region that played a crucial role in President William Ruto’s 2022 victory.
The registration figures further highlight the differences. In counties such as Nyeri, Kirinyaga, and Meru, only a handful of aspirants have come forward, while Nakuru and Kiambu, which have more urban populations, show slightly more interest, with three aspirants each. This contrasts sharply with the Rift Valley, where multiple aspirants have emerged for key positions.
The subdued response in Mt Kenya raises questions about UDA’s ability to replicate its 2022 success in the region, particularly with shifting allegiances among local politicians. Governor Cecily Mbarire of Embu, who also serves as UDA’s national chairperson, faces no internal challengers, while in Kiambu, MP Alice Ng’ang’a has declared her intention to contest against Governor Kimani Wamatangi, despite the incumbent not yet registering.
Elsewhere, figures like Joseph Gitari have entered the race to succeed Governor Anne Waiguru in Kirinyaga, while Moses Kuria is seeking to reclaim his former seat in Gatundu South. Though interest in the senate, Woman Representative, parliamentary, and ward seats remains modest, it is clear that UDA is no longer enjoying the level of political enthusiasm it once did in the region.
Nationally, UDA has seen 12,353 aspirants register for various positions, including 149 for governor, 279 for senate, 323 for Woman Representative, 1,372 for the National Assembly, and more than 10,000 for ward representative roles. While the party retains strong backing in its core regions, the Mt Kenya figures highlight emerging vulnerabilities.
Further complicating matters for UDA is the rise of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who was impeached in October 2024 and subsequently launched the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP). Gachagua’s new political vehicle has attracted several UDA defectors, including prominent figures such as Ndindi Nyoro and Joe Nyutu.
