Heavy Loss To President Ruto And His UDA Party As These Top Leaders Dump Him Ahead Of 2027

The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party is facing growing political challenges ahead of the 2027 General Election after several influential leaders who previously supported President William Ruto began shifting their political allegiance towards rival camps.

The growing wave of political realignments has raised questions about Ruto’s political strength, particularly in the Mt Kenya region, which played a significant role in his victory during the 2022 presidential election.

The departure of key allies has largely been linked to the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who subsequently established the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP). The new political outfit has attracted several leaders who were previously associated with Ruto’s administration and the ruling UDA party.

Among the prominent politicians whose political positions have reportedly shifted are Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata, Kiarie Badilisha, Nakuru Senator Tabitha Karanja, Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja.

Others include Gathoni Wamuchomba, Gabriel Kagombe, Kiharu Member of Parliament Ndindi Nyoro, Eric Karemba and Muthoni Karumba, among other influential political figures.

The development represents a significant political setback for UDA, considering that many of these leaders secured their respective elective positions under the party’s ticket and mobilised considerable support for Ruto during the previous presidential election.

Their changing political positions could complicate the president’s efforts to maintain his influence in Mt Kenya, a region widely considered crucial to his chances of securing another presidential term.

Most of the politicians mentioned come from the mountain region and have increasingly aligned themselves with opposition politics, although Sakaja remains an exception.

With the 2027 elections approaching, the shifting alliances could reshape Kenya’s political landscape, forcing Ruto and UDA to reconsider their grassroots mobilisation strategies as opposition leaders seek to capitalise on growing divisions within the ruling political establishment.

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