Big Blow to Ruto’s UDA as Unexpected News Emerges from Mt Kenya – Details

President William Ruto has suffered another political setback in the Mt Kenya region after Runyenjes Member of Parliament Eric Muchangi Karemba reportedly defected from the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to join former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP).

Karemba’s defection was confirmed on Friday, November 13, when Gachagua welcomed the lawmaker to his Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri County.

The DCP leader expressed excitement over the development and pledged to visit Runyenjes constituency the following week as he seeks to strengthen the party’s political influence in the region.

The move comes at a time when Gachagua is intensifying efforts to consolidate his support base in Mt Kenya ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Karemba’s departure from UDA is also likely to raise fresh questions about Ruto’s political influence in the region, which played a significant role in his victory during the 2022 presidential election.

Since Gachagua’s impeachment in October 2024, several political leaders from Mt Kenya have increasingly shifted their allegiance, with some openly associating themselves with the former deputy president’s political camp.

The latest defection adds to the growing political competition between Ruto’s UDA and Gachagua’s DCP as both camps seek to win the support of influential elected leaders ahead of the next polls.

Gachagua has repeatedly accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of neglecting the interests of Mt Kenya residents, a message that has featured prominently in his political engagements across the region.

Meanwhile, Ruto’s allies have continued defending the government’s development record while dismissing claims that the president is losing his political support in the region.

Karemba’s decision is expected to attract considerable attention, particularly among UDA supporters and DCP loyalists.

With the 2027 elections approaching, the big question is whether more Mt Kenya lawmakers will follow his example and abandon the ruling party for Gachagua’s camp.

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